Sunrock has implemented an innovative energy solution for the Loods5 distribution center and office in Halfweg, The Netherlands, allowing the building to be delivered to developer Sunrise Real Estate months ahead of schedule.
At the time, grid connectivity was delayed and not expected until the first quarter of 2025. To address this, Sunrock partnered with iwell to create a comprehensive energy solution featuring a solar rooftop installation, a battery, and an advanced energy management system.
The rooftop PV system generates clean energy that tenants can use as needed. Initially designed to operate independently of the grid, the system boosted energy availability and supported sustainable building management. Now with a grid connection, the battery utilises energy trading to maximise its financial potential. Additionally, the system is equipped to handle growing energy demands, providing even more flexibility in an evolving energy landscape.
This project serves as a scalable model for addressing grid delays in real estate developments, showing how tailored energy solutions can solve key gaps while ensuring readiness and sustainability for future energy needs.
“Battery storage as addition to rooftop solar PV, is the future, addressing many challenges in today’s energy landscape. A large logistics building like this requires a continuous and flexible power supply. This project demonstrates how an integrated energy solution meets these needs while effectively tackling grid congestion challenges.“ – Karlijn Elias-Peters, Managing Director Netherlands at Sunrock
“Given that obtaining the required grid access has become a major challenge in developing logistics properties in the Netherlands, innovative solutions are required to meet tenants’ demands. Thanks to our collaboration with Sunrock and iwell, we were able to design and implement an innovative system that combines rooftop solar panels with a battery system. This provides a sustainable alternative for reliable off-grid energy, supporting tenants’ operations while future-proofing the site against uncertainties in the electricity grid. We are proud of the outcome and look forward to further collaboration in the future.” – Matthew Stevens, Head of Development at Sunrise.
