Each month, at the municipal council, we raise questions and put forward concrete proposals for a greener, fairer municipality.

Oral question from Mr Pieterjan Vanden Boer about the use of diesel generators in public spaces

During the last edition of the fair on Place Jourdan, some attractions used diesel generators. Diesel generators emit large quantities of fine particles, soot, and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These emissions can lead to high local concentrations of air pollution — posing health risks for stallholders, local residents, visitors, and people sitting on terraces at Jourdan.

The implementation of the “Health in All Policies” approach is one of the College’s stated priorities. The Political Orientation Note also identifies “working towards better air quality” as an operational objective. In this case, the health impact on residents and other people present at Place Jourdan should be taken into account.

There are several alternatives to diesel generators, such as connecting to the electricity grid through fixed power terminals or using mobile battery systems, potentially combined with solar panels. In Hengelo, the Netherlands, an emission-free fair has already been organized this way — proving it is a concrete and feasible goal.

My questions to the College:

1. Is the College aware of the negative impact diesel generators have on air quality, especially in a densely built-up area like Etterbeek?
2. Is the College considering studying the feasibility of various emission-free alternatives, such as connecting to fixed power terminals or using mobile battery systems? And examining what concrete changes would be needed, both in terms of public works and fairground regulations?
3. Is the College planning to assess the feasibility of different alternatives, such as connecting to the electricity grid via fixed terminals or using mobile batteries? And to determine what practical adjustments would be necessary, both regarding public infrastructure and the regulations applicable to fairs?