In a recent white paper, we explore how grid congestion is becoming a critical barrier for logistics and industrial businesses across the Netherlands. As electrification accelerates and power demand rises, many companies are facing delays, uncertainty and rising costs.

The Challenge: Grid Congestion is Now a Business Risk

Electricity demand is growing faster than the grid can expand. EV fleets, automation and sustainability targets all add pressure, while many companies are already located in congested areas. The result is clear: expansion plans are delayed, new connections are postponed and energy reliability can no longer be taken for granted.

The Solution: Integrated Energy Systems

The white paper highlights an alternative approach: integrated energy systems that combine solar PV, battery storage and an intelligent Energy Management System (EMS). By generating and using energy locally, businesses can stay within grid limits while maintaining operational reliability. The EMS continuously balances production, storage and consumption, reducing peak loads and dependence on the grid.

Want to see how this works in real-world situations? Download the white paper to explore practical examples and insights.

The Benefits: Control and Future-Proof Growth

Integrated solutions provide immediate and long-term value. They lower energy costs, increase resilience and support sustainability goals. Most importantly, they give businesses control over their energy strategy, enabling electrification and growth without long waiting time for grid reinforcement.

Read the Full White Paper

Grid congestion is one of the defining energy challenges of today, but there are solutions opening the door to new opportunities for growth. Our white paper brings together the full context, data and case studies that show how integrated energy systems turn constraints into opportunities.

Get the Full Story by Downloading the White Paper Here. And if you’d like to explore what this could mean for your business, get in touch with us, we’re ready to support your energy needs this year and beyond.

At Sunrock, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) is at the core of how we build, operate and grow solar energy assets across Europe. As we continue to scale our activities in the Netherlands, France and Germany, this is a key year to strengthen this foundation even further.

Led by our QHSE Manager, Christos Coutoulacos, Sunrock is elevating its approach to QHSE by focussing on clarity, consistency, learning and collaboration across borders. A passionate rugby fan, Christos understands the importance of teamwork and trust in achieving success. We spoke with him to better understand how QHSE continues to shape the way we work.

One Sunrock Approach, Shared with the Right Partners

For Christos, selecting the right partners starts with clarity of expectations – which in turn provides clear expectations for all parties involved. Sunrock sets clear QHSE standards and processes, aligned with local legislation, international norms and our long-term vision. We work with contractors and suppliers selected for their proven expertise and strong safety track records, with a laser focus on long-term collaboration rather than short-term compliance.

Adherence to these standards is supported through audits, checks and regular evaluations, while open dialogue and knowledge-sharing – especially around safety and environmental responsibility – encourage ongoing improvement of our practices. From the use of fire-resistant materials to appropriate protective equipment, training and on-site supervision, our goal is to equip both our teams and partners to tackle safety challenges confidently and consistently.

“The right partner is not only able to comply with standards, but willing to acknowledge mistakes, take ownership and propose solutions. That mindset is essential.”

Safety & Preparedness: Reporting Is Not Blaming, It’s Learning

A strong safety culture is built on trust and transparent communication. At Sunrock, this applies both internally with our Sunrockers and across our external partner ecosystem. We adhere to high safety standards by following both local and international regulations, supported by open collaboration and a mindset of continuous learning that keeps us proactive rather than reactive.

Christos puts it simply:

“Reporting is not blaming. It’s learning from each other.”

To reinforce this culture of transparency, Sunrock has simplified and strengthened its processes, such as incident reporting. Issues are registered quickly, lessons are shared openly, and corrective actions are implemented effectively to prevent recurrence.

Clear, standardised procedures further support our teams, especially in high-risk or high-pressure situations. Emergency preparedness plays a central role in our QHSE approach, with defined procedures in place to ensure structured, calm and effective responses should incidents occur.

An Experienced Voice in a Growing International Team

Having joined Sunrock toward the end of 2025, Christos brings a calm, seasoned perspective to a young, energetic and ambitious organisation.

Beyond experience, what resonates most with Christos is Sunrock’s mission itself. Renewable energy and technology are values he personally stands behind, and he is driven by the idea that the work we do has a tangible, positive impact: reducing environmental harm while enabling innovation. Being able to contribute his skills and life experience to projects that support a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future makes Sunrock’s mission feel both meaningful and personal.

Outside of work, Christos draws energy from spending time with his children, riding his motorcycle, playing guitar and enjoying good food and wine, whether at a restaurant or in the kitchen. He enjoys travelling, with Greece being a favourite place to recharge. His balance of focus, curiosity and hands-on thinking is something he brings into his role every day.

“One of the things I want our people to know: Every problem is a challenge, and every challenge is an opportunity. An opportunity to learn and grow stronger.””

Christos also appreciates Sunrock’s international scope, noting the importance of adaptability and cross-cultural teamwork. Operating across the Netherlands, France and Germany means navigating different regulations, standards and cultural contexts. Sunrock’s approach, according to him, is to be clear on who we are as one company, while remaining flexible and adaptive at a local level – listening carefully and working together to move forward.

ISO Certification Through QHSE

Securing and maintaining ISO certification is a key pillar of Sunrock’s QHSE approach. Our ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications provide robust frameworks for documenting processes, gathering feedback and continuously improving our operations.

ISO 14001, in particular, helps guide responsible decision-making around environmental impact; informing choices not only on site, but also in supplier selection and even within our office environments. These internationally recognised standards are audited annually by independent parties, giving clients, partners and stakeholders confidence that Sunrock’s processes are structured, reliable and aligned with global best practices.

Looking Ahead: QHSE in 2026 and Beyond

Safety is non-negotiable at Sunrock. We continuously apply our learnings and feedback to do better, year after year, ensuring the safety, quality and satisfaction of everyone involved in our projects. As we continue to innovate, learn and evolve as an international organisation, QHSE remains at the forefront of how we work.

We highly value feedback from our partners, contractors and stakeholders. Your observations, suggestions and insights are both welcome and important in helping us improve and uphold high standards across all our projects. If you have feedback related to safety, quality or environmental performance, we encourage you to reach out to your Sunrock contact or use our speak-up channels.

Together, we power the future: safely and responsibly.

Do you have a complaint, or would like to offer compliment or suggestion? Please submit it here or contact Christos at c.coutoulacos@sunrock.com.

Seppe’s journey to Sunrock has been shaped by technical growth, international experience, and a motivation to contribute to a clean energy future. From rooftop solar installations to integrated energy systems with storage, EV charging, and intelligent control, Seppe stands at the heart of Sunrock’s evolution.

From Offshore Engineering to the Energy Transition

After completing his Master’s degree in Hydraulic Engineering at Delft University of Technology, Seppe began his career in the offshore oil and gas industry. Over the eight years that followed, he lived and worked for five years in Southeast Asia.

“Living and working in different cultures taught me the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and intercultural awareness,” he explains.

Gradually, his motivation to contribute to a more sustainable future grew stronger. He felt a clear pull toward a sector that actively enables the energy transition. Through his professional network, he came into contact with Sunrock and immediately felt a strong connection with the company’s culture, ambition, and mission.

“At that time, Sunrock was still relatively small but definitely scaling up. That really appealed to me, because it offered the opportunity to help build the organisation while growing quickly.”

Seppe joined Sunrock nearly five and a half years ago as Team Lead Project Management for one of the largest rooftop solar portfolios in the Netherlands. Since then, he has held several roles, including leading Sunrock’s international expansion from a technical and operational perspective. Today, he is Head of Operations Netherlands, focusing on the successful development and delivery of integrated energy solutions. This represents a new and more complex chapter compared to the large-scale rooftop solar projects of the past.

A Role Across the Full Project Lifecycle

Today, Seppe leads a team responsible for delivering high-quality energy installations and services for both external customers and internal stakeholders, on time and within budget. This responsibility already begins at a very early stage of the project.

Together with his team, Seppe supports commercial colleagues during the (pre-)feasibility phase by fully understanding customers’ actual energy challenges. These challenges are then translated into technical solutions, such as running energy simulations, dimensioning assets, and requesting proposals from EPC partners.

After this phase, the team remains involved throughout the full project lifecycle: from contracting and construction to commissioning, testing, and the final handover to clients and internal teams such as Asset Management, Energy Contracting, and Energy Trading.

Because he operates with a broad diversity of stakeholders, a major part of Seppe’s role is about enabling others. He spends much of his time coaching and developing technical project managers, supporting technical decision-making, reviewing, negotiating and further improving project contracts, and framework agreements.

His agenda also includes recurring meetings with contractors, partners, and internal stakeholders. These meetings are essential to resolve issues, improve collaboration, optimise processes and tools, and stay aligned with market developments, regulations, and technological innovation. There are also recurring management activities, such as KPI and performance reporting and involvement in strategic internal projects.

“At its core, my role is about helping my team work better and more effectively every
day, and consistently deliver technically sound, high-quality solutions.”

Seppe also regularly aligns with colleagues in other countries and represents the interests of Operations at an international level. The result? Full agendas, diverse topics, and, as he puts it: “it’s never boring!”

What Makes Sunrock Different

“What really sets Sunrock apart for me is the drive, energy, and intrinsic motivation to create maximum value for our customers by acting as a true one-stop shop for energy challenges,” says Seppe. Sunrock places a strong focus on local energy production and local energy use (self- consumption), without compromising on quality or reliability.

This approach enables customers to use more sustainable energy on-site and actively contribute to the energy transition. At the same time, Sunrock’s long-term ownership model strengthens its commitment to durable partnerships with customers, contractors, and other stakeholders.

“Because we usually develop and own our assets for the long term, we look at the entire lifetime of a project and place strong emphasis on long-term partnerships,” Seppe explains. “Since many of our projects are realised through project financing, this requires thorough (technical) due diligence. Ultimately, this leads to better projects for everyone involved. All our projects meet high standards, not only technically and financially, but also in terms of ESG and QHSE – safety, people, and the environment.”

Underpinning all of this is an engaged, talented, and culturally diverse team. According to Seppe, it is this combination of ambition, long-term thinking, and a strong sense of responsibility for people and the environment that truly makes Sunrock special.

Proud of Teams, Growth, and impact

When asked about his proudest moment at Sunrock, Seppe does not point to a single project. There are many: his very first project in Rotterdam, helping to set up the team and office in France, or seeing Sunrock surpass 1.3 GWh of clean energy production.

Yet his greatest pride lies in something less tangible: leading and being part of a high- performing team.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how people develop, learn, adapt, and grow in an ever-changing and challenging environment,” he says. Whether the challenge comes from political developments, new regulations, or technological change, supporting teams through that complexity and contributing to their growth is what motivates him most.

A Personal Connection to the Mission

For Seppe, the connection to the energy transition is not only professional, but also deeply personal. As an avid scuba diver, he has seen the effects of climate change with his own eyes, from coral bleaching to damaged reefs and declining biodiversity.

“It’s no longer abstract,” he explains. “You can see it happening underwater.”

While he believes that broader systemic change is needed for the planet to recover, Seppe sees the energy transition as a crucial pillar in that process. Sunrock’s mission to move away from fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to clean energy resonates strongly with him. Being able to contribute to that mission through his daily work gives him great satisfaction and pride.

Looking Ahead: From Energy Assets to Smart Energy Hubs

Looking to the future, Seppe is especially excited about the shift away from simply producing renewable energy toward enabling energy to be used where and when it is really needed.

Developments in energy storage, heat solutions such as heat pumps and thermal storage, Energy Management Systems, EV charging, mobility, smart or mini-grids, and industrial processes open up entirely new possibilities.

“It’s no longer about simply adding individual installations,” he says, “but about intelligently managing how and when energy is produced, stored, and consumed.”

Deeper integration between electricity, mobility, heat, flexibility, congestion solutions, and data- driven optimisation paves the way for truly smart energy hubs. These increase the value, reliability, and usability of locally produced renewable energy.

According to Seppe, Sunrock is ideally positioned to play an active role in this transformation. By pushing boundaries with innovative solutions and entrepreneurship, Sunrock can help shape– and challenge – existing laws and regulations, allowing them to evolve alongside the energy system.

In doing so, Sunrock continues to accelerate the transition toward a resilient, responsible, and truly clean energy future.

Amsterdam, 17 February 2026 – Sunrock, a leading European developer of large-scale rooftop photovoltaic (PV) projects and integrated energy solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin van Sleeuwen as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective 1 March 2026.

Martin brings more than 25 years of senior finance and energy experience, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer and CFO at energy supplier Greenchoice. He has also held senior finance roles at RWE, Attero, and Essent.

Bram Poeth, CEO of Sunrock, said: “With his deep sector knowledge, strong financial leadership, and broad experience managing growth and transition, Martin is well equipped to drive Sunrock’s contribution to Europe’s energy transition. Sunrock continues to expand its footprint in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, and I am very excited that Martin joins Sunrock to play a pivotal role in our continued growth.”

In 2025, Sunrock successfully installed 100 MWp of solar developments in Europe, with a further 140 MWp in construction for 2026, thereby achieving 750 MWp in operation and producing 700 GWh of clean energy to ensure security of local supply to commercial and industrial customers.

Martin van Sleeuwen, incoming Sunrock CFO, said: “Sunrock is one of the leading lights in Europe’s clean energy sector. I’m delighted to join the team as it continues to expand its portfolio of integrated energy systems for customers throughout Germany, the Netherlands, and France.”

Together with Bram Poeth, Martin forms Sunrock’s statutory board of directors.

About Sunrock

Founded in 2012, Sunrock is a leading European developer of large-scale rooftop solar and integrated clean energy solutions, enabling logistics real estate owners and operators, as well as industrial clients, to achieve ESG targets and net-zero operations.

Sunrock provides tailored solutions powering logistical warehouses and industrial buildings with clean energy, focusing on local energy production from solar rooftop systems, enabled by intelligent Energy Management Systems (EMS), a multimodal trading platform, and smart energy assets like battery storage and fleet charging systems. From design and financing to construction and operation, the company manages every step to maximize energy efficiency.

Sunrock was acquired in 2020 by COFRA Holding as part of its commitment to positively impact, through business, key transitions for a more liveable planet and equitable society.

Active in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Sunrock employs over 140 people and is realizing projects exceeding 1 GWp. Certified B Corp, the company is committed to regularly improving its social and environmental impact.

Sunrock partners with its customers for a clean energy future. Learn more at www.sunrock.com

When Liselotte talks about her career, she describes a journey shaped by curiosity and the desire to work closer to the heart of a business. She began her professional life at a large law firm, which she calls “an intense but incredibly valuable learning experience.” Over time, however, she felt something was missing. She wanted cross-disciplinary collaboration, a flatter and more accessible organisation, and a role connected more directly to commercial and operational decision-making.

That shift began prior to Sunrock, during the last year and a half of her traineeship, when she joined a smaller M&A energy team. This is where the energy transition first captured her attention. “It combined the energy of transactions with a clear sense of purpose and impact,” she explains.

An interim assignment eventually brought her into contact with Sunrock. From the very beginning, she felt at home. The organisation’s cross-functional way of working and its mission to scale clean energy solutions matched exactly what she had been looking for.

A Role Shaped by Variety

Today, Liselotte works in a hybrid role that brings together hands-on legal work, strategy, process design, and mentoring. Her scope spans everything from leases and rights of superficies to EPC and O&M agreements, general terms and conditions, and notices of default. She also develops templates, contracting playbooks, and guidelines that support Sunrock’s growth.

What she values most is the diversity of her work. “No two days are the same, and that’s exactly what I enjoy about the role,” she says. One moment she might be deep in a legal analysis or negotiating with a customer’s counsel, and the next she is designing a new process or coaching a colleague.

What Makes Sunrock Stand Out

For Liselotte, Sunrock’s strength lies in its combination of a young, ambitious team and a culture defined by accessibility and openness. She loves that colleagues challenge one another, share knowledge freely, and work closely across countries, departments, and seniority levels. This environment allows people to grow rapidly while also delivering direct value to clients and partners.

She believes Sunrock stands apart because it continuously anticipates rather than reacts. Whether the topic is EMS, BESS, flexible energy solutions, or grid congestion, teams collaborate to translate complexity into practical, forward-looking solutions.

Proud Moments in a Fast-Changing Environment

Instead of pointing to a single project, Liselotte is most proud of the transformation she has witnessed since joining Sunrock. The company expanded into new countries, reshaped teams, adjusted to shifting market realities, and evolved its business model beyond standard roof lease projects.

Reflecting on this period, she says: “I’m proud of the flexibility and creativity we have showed and how we adapted our business model.” For her, these experiences highlight the pace and dynamism of both Sunrock and the wider energy sector. “Our teams adapt fast and translate complexity into practical solutions. I think this allows Sunrock to move at the pace of the energy transition instead of being held back by it.”

A Deep Personal Connection to the Mission

Liselotte’s motivation comes from the knowledge that her work contributes to a cleaner and more future-proof energy system. She enjoys being hands-on and thinking critically, as well as constantly looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes. She feels energised by colleagues who are ambitious, open, and curious, and who share the commitment to move the energy transition forward.

Looking Ahead With Curiosity and Confidence

Looking ahead, Liselotte feels especially inspired by Sunrock’s more complex and multidisciplinary projects. These are the projects that combine multiple assets and services, require creative structuring, and bring technical, legal, financial, and commercial teams together.

As she puts it: “It’s really inspiring and valuable to help build something new, rather than simply applying an existing template. The space to rethink, improve, and refine; asking how we can make a project, process, or a contract more robust and future- proof, is something I really enjoy.”

Together with our Sunrock team, Liselotte looks forward to continuing to shape innovative solutions that meet the needs of clients and the realities of a decentralised energy system.

Nicolas Mercier, a renewable energy expert with 15 years of experience, takes the lead at Sunrock France to drive its growth.

Paris, 06 February 2026 – Sunrock, a European leader in integrated clean energy solutions dedicated to industrial and logistics real estate, announces the appointment of Nicolas Mercier as Managing Director (MD) of Sunrock France.

He will be responsible for accelerating the company’s development in the French market. With over 15 years of experience in renewable energy, Nicolas Mercier aims to strengthen the company’s position in France and deploy its ambitious pipeline of solar projects.

An expert profile supporting Sunrock’s French ambitions

With more than 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, Nicolas Mercier brings to Sunrock France extensive expertise in the development of solar and wind projects, the structuring of complex operations, and the management of multidisciplinary teams.

He holds a degree from the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Nancy (ENSMN) with a dual qualification in engineering and management. His career includes entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial initiatives in the renewable energy sector, along with key positions at Obton France, 3E, and SGS Environmental Services, where he led the Sustainable Assets & Energy division.

His deep knowledge of the French renewable energy and real estate markets, combined with hands-on experience across the entire value chain, from project development to financing and construction, makes him the ideal profile to lead Sunrock’s growth strategy in France.

Accelerating rooftop photovoltaic deployment in France

Under the leadership of Nicolas Mercier, Sunrock France intends to confirm its role as a leading player in the French rooftop photovoltaic market. The company has developed a pipeline of nearly 100 MW ready-to-build and aims for 500 MW in the short term, with an ambition to reach 1 GW by 2030.

This growth strategy is based on three pillars: strengthening partnerships with major logistics and industrial real estate players, operational excellence in the design and execution of large-scale projects, and supporting clients in meeting regulatory and environmental requirements (APER law, BREEAM certification, decarbonisation, etc.).

“Rooftop photovoltaics is a mature, competitive, and essential solution to meet the energy needs of companies. Solar is not an option: it is a sustainable pillar of the French energy mix. At Sunrock France, we are a 100% solar-dedicated player—this is our core business. Our ambition is clear: to offer real estate and industrial actors a turnkey, reliable, and high-performance solution that stands the test of time,” explains Nicolas Mercier, MD of Sunrock France.

A confirmed growth dynamic

Since its establishment in France, Sunrock has demonstrated its ability to develop and deliver large–scale photovoltaic projects, notably in partnership with leading logistics real estate companies such as Panattoni. The company recently announced the expansion of its European partnership with Panattoni to the French market. After successful collaborations in the Netherlands and Germany, Sunrock is equipping Panattoni’s new logistics site in Ormes with a 1.8 MWp photovoltaic plant, producing the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of around 500 French households. This project illustrates Sunrock’s ambition to support major logistics real estate players in their decarbonisation and local energy production strategies.

The appointment of Nicolas Mercier marks a new step in Sunrock’s development in France, with the objective of professionalising operations, strengthening local teams, and accelerating project deployment.

About Sunrock

Founded in 2012, Sunrock is a leading European developer of large-scale rooftop solar and integrated clean energy solutions, enabling logistics real estate owners and operators, as well as industrial clients, to achieve ESG targets and net-zero operations.

Sunrock provides tailored solutions powering logistical warehouses and industrial buildings with clean energy, focusing on local energy production from solar rooftop systems, enabled by intelligent Energy Management Systems (EMS), a multimodal trading platform, and smart energy assets like battery storage and fleet charging systems.

From design and financing to construction and operation, the company manages every step to maximise energy efficiency.

Sunrock was acquired in 2020 by COFRA Holding as part of its commitment to positively impact, through business, key transitions for a more liveable planet and equitable society.

Active in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Sunrock employs over 160 people and is realising projects exceeding 1 GWp. Certified B Corp, the company is committed to regularly improving its social and environmental impact.

Sunrock partners with its customers for a clean energy future. Learn more at
www.sunrock.com.

Press contact

Pauline Vettier – Press Officer
pauline@majorellemarketing.com
+33 6 11 61 75 62

Panattoni entrusts Sunrock with the photovoltaic equipment of its new logistics site in Ormes, France

Paris, 29 January 2026 – Sunrock, the European leader in photovoltaic solutions for logistics real estate, announces the extension of its partnership with Panattoni—one of the world’s leading industrial real estate developers—to the French market. Following successful collaborations in the Netherlands and Germany, the two companies are now combining their expertise to develop large-scale solar projects, starting with a first site in Ormes. This project reflects Panattoni France’s ambitious decarbonization strategy.

A strategic partnership in service of decarbonization

Installing photovoltaic panels on the roofs of logistics buildings transforms previously unused surfaces into genuine sources of renewable energy—available for tenants and surrounding communities. For Panattoni, the objective is twofold: 

• Significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its buildings throughout their lifecycle
• Offer clients real estate solutions aligned with their CSR commitments

“These projects generate a virtuous circle at the territorial level: each logistics warehouse becomes an active link in the local energy chain. This strategy is fully aligned with national energy transition objectives, meeting regulatory requirements (Climate & Resilience Law) as well as the increasing expectations of territories, clients and investors regarding environmental responsibility,” explains Llorenç Jalle Garrido, Technical Director, Panattoni France.

Commitment beyond regulatory obligations

Since establishing its presence in France more than four years ago, Panattoni has committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact beyond regulatory requirements. While regulations mandate photovoltaic coverage of 30% of usable roof space, the company far exceeds this threshold. A signatory of the Afilog charter since 2021—which requires at least 50% roof coverage—Panattoni commits to surpassing regulatory thresholds and aims for 100% coverage of usable roof space. Two additional solar projects between the two partners are expected to be announced in 2026.

“Sunrock’s expertise in the European market enables us to support Panattoni’s ambitions with a turnkey approach tailored to French specificities. We manage the entire value chain: engineering, regulations, insurance, grid connection and local energy resale. Our objective: develop several dozen MWp per year in France,” states Romain Bajas, Project Developer at Sunrock France.

Renewable energy serving local communities

Installing rooftop photovoltaic panels on logistics platforms transforms unused areas into renewable energy sources for their territories. The electricity produced will be partly sold to building tenants and nearby businesses through collective self-consumption operations.

The Ormes site (total capacity: 1.8 MWp) produces the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of around 500 French households. This logistics site thus becomes an active contributor to the local energy production ecosystem.

A competitive advantage for clients

Equipping logistics platforms with photovoltaic panels and sharing the generated electricity with tenants directly contributes to reducing the buildings’ carbon footprint while improving energy performance, a key factor in obtaining BREEAM certification.

This also represents a competitive advantage for Panattoni’s clients—both users and investors. These installations help reduce energy costs while ensuring high-performing real estate assets aligned with their own CSR commitments, adding value in the eyes of partners, employees and end clients.

About Panattoni

Panattoni, the European arm of Panattoni Development Company, is one of the world’s leading developers of logistics and industrial real estate. Since launching its activities in Europe in 2005, Panattoni has established itself as the market leader in Europe. The company has 70 offices worldwide: North America, Mexico, India, Saudi Arabia and Europe. Its global portfolio includes more than 60 million square metres of logistics and industrial buildings delivered for over 2,500 clients across Europe. To date, the company has developed more than 25 million square metres of projects in Europe.

www.panattonieurope.com

About Sunrock

Founded in 2012, Sunrock is a leading European developer of large-scale rooftop solar and integrated clean energy solutions, enabling logistics real estate owners and operators, as well as industrial clients, to achieve ESG targets and net-zero operations.

Sunrock provides tailored solutions powering logistical warehouses and industrial buildings with clean energy, focusing on local energy production from solar rooftop systems, enabled by intelligent Energy Management Systems (EMS), a multimodal trading platform, and smart energy assets like battery storage and fleet charging systems. From design and financing to construction and operation, the company manages every step to maximise energy efficiency.

Sunrock was acquired in 2020 by COFRA Holding as part of its commitment to positively impact, through business, key transitions for a more liveable planet and equitable society. Active in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Sunrock employs over 160 people and is realising projects exceeding 1 GWp. Certified B Corp, the company is committed to regularly improving its social and environmental impact.

Sunrock partners with its customers for a clean energy future. Learn more at www.sunrock.com.

To address the challenges of grid congestion at the eCommerce distribution centre in Ede, AS Watson Health and Beauty Benelux has partnered with Sunrock. A reliable and sustainable energy solution is needed to support the growth plans of the international health and beauty retailer.

As part of the collaboration, Sunrock developed an innovative, fully integrated behind the meter energy solution. By combining rooftop solar panels with battery storage controlled by an intelligent Energy Management System EMS, a stable, comprehensive solution is created that supports AS Watson’s sustainability ambitions. It not only safeguards the reliability of today’s energy supply, but also provides the foundation for future expansion and sustainable growth for AS Watson, known for retail brands such as Kruidvat and Trekpleister.

AS Watson enlisted Sunrock, one of Europe’s leading developer of integrated clean energy solutions for logistics and industrial sites, to support the mechanisation rollout at the eCommerce distribution centre in Ede. The facility, where all online customer orders for Kruidvat and Trekpleister are processed, was faced with rising energy consumption while simultaneously being restricted by grid congestion. To overcome this challenge, an investment in the local energy infrastructure was required. The behind the meter solution enables the distribution centre to expand its operations without being limited by grid congestion. The battery system absorbs peaks in electricity consumption and maximises the use of solar energy within AS Watson’s operations. All of this is fully controlled by Sunrock’s EMS platform. The complete behind the meter solution consists of:

• 300 kW / 929.5 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and a 0.8 MWp solar system, converted from grid export to local consumption to optimise the use of solar energy,
• advanced Energy Management System (EMS), enabling operational growth despite grid constraints, maximising on site use of renewable energy, and ensuring a future proof energy supply during peak periods.

“With the deployment of automation and robotics, we make work easier and more efficient while increasing customer satisfaction. A reliable energy supply played a crucial role in this, and in line with our sustainability goals we wanted to source as much of it as possible from fossil free energy. After identifying grid congestion as a major challenge, the Sunrock team developed and implemented an innovative energy solution that fully leverages the PV system, delivering a sustainable and efficient energy supply perfectly aligned with the site’s specific constraints and needs”, says Alexander Webhofer, Head of Supply Chain Online Business Benelux at AS Watson.

“This is an excellent example of how we help our clients stay ahead despite the limitations of the electricity grid. By integrating storage, solar energy and intelligent energy control, we have created a flexible and robust system that unlocks both energy independence and long term value”, says Karlijn Elias Peters, Managing Director Netherlands at Sunrock.

Vincent Meulendijks, Project Developer at Sunrock, adds: “From day one, we worked closely with AS Watson to map out the full scope of the challenge. It is great to see how our customised energy solution enables the expansion of AS Watson’s operations through a combination of sustainable solar energy and battery storage. We thank AS Watson for their trust and the successful collaboration.”

About Sunrock

Founded in 2012, Sunrock is a leading European developer of large scale rooftop solar and integrated clean energy solutions, enabling logistics real estate owners and operators, as well as industrial clients, to achieve ESG targets and net zero operations.

Sunrock provides tailored solutions powering logistical warehouses and industrial buildings with clean energy, focusing on local energy production from solar rooftop systems, enabled by intelligent Energy Management Systems EMS, a multimodal trading platform, and smart energy assets like battery storage and fleet charging systems. From design and financing to construction and operation, the company manages every step to maximise energy efficiency.

Sunrock was acquired in 2020 by COFRA Holding as part of its commitment to positively impact, through business, key transitions for a more liveable planet and equitable society. Active in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Sunrock employs over 160 people and is realising projects exceeding 1 GWp. Certified B Corp, the company is committed to regularly improving its social and environmental impact.

Sunrock partners with its customers for a clean energy future. Learn more at sunrock.com/

About AS Watson

The world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, with more than 17000 stores, 12 retail brands in 30 markets, and over 130000 employees worldwide. For the 2024 financial year, AS Watson Group recorded revenues of over USD 24 billion. Each year, we serve more than 6 billion customers through our O plus O offline plus online ecosystem, offering them a unique shopping experience.

Sunrock is the Dutch market leader in logistics-based solar roofs. “That market is no longer focused on maximising PV,” says Karlijn Elias-Peters. “It’s driven by integrated energy solutions.”

You started last year as managing director of Sunrock Netherlands…

“I’ve been working here for a while, starting in 2021 as a Project Developer and becoming Head of New Markets in 2024. The big question was where we would expand next, besides the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Shortly after, we decided to focus on the countries we were already serving. The market was changing rapidly, and I was asked to lead our activities in the Netherlands and help our clients with new energy challenges.’

 How is Sunrock doing in the Netherlands?

“Good. Sunrock grew its business by installing solar roofs for logistics and industrial companies. We’ve installed approximately 600 megawatts of PV at around 250 locations, making us the market leader in this field and enabling us to build many strong customer relationships. However, the time of simply installing a lot of solar panels on roofs as quickly as possible is over; a new era has dawned.”

What era?

“The energy issue has changed and become part of our customers’ business operations. How can I get more solar power from my own roof? Can I get a grid connection or upgrade it? I want to electrify, but is that even possible? How can I use solar power to charge my trucks? These are examples of current questions that companies are grappling with. In line with this, we are focusing more on existing customers, helping them with long-term solutions.” 

Grid congestion and increasingly negative energy prices are the problem…

” The entire solar sector is experiencing this, including us. But our assets are manageable through an energy management system (EMS). Consider, for example, increasing local consumption, optimising with a battery, and making smart use of the various energy markets. We have our own energy trading team that maximises solar power yields. Integrated, flexible solutions for generation, storage, and consumption are the future. This will provide new market momentum.”

Logistics property owners recognize the importance of this?

“The market is evolving. Some haven’t even started looking at it yet. However, you’re seeing a growing number of interested parties, for example, because they want to go green, control their own energy consumption, or ensure the continuity of their properties by making them more sustainable. We can fully support them in this process.”

Installing a battery is now standard practice for you?

“That’s also gaining momentum. Sunrock is analysing the best options together with customers. We help companies optimise their local energy consumption; a battery often plays a role here. We also sometimes discuss proactive investments, for example, with a view to the future electrification of transport, which we also support. Smartly controlling your energy system with an EMS is crucial in this regard, and it’s something we’ve invested heavily in ourselves.”

Sunrock’s work has become much more complex…

“Sunrock experienced enormous growth by installing solar panels on roofs. However, that’s no longer the norm. There’s been a shift toward energy systems that combine all sorts of technologies and functionalities. The Dutch market has become one of integrated energy solutions. That’s a lot more complex, but also much more exciting. The demand for flexible energy systems will only increase in the coming years. Those who invest now will be at the forefront later.”

Full credits to Solar & Storage Magazine. To read the full article (in Dutch), click here.