The energy transition requires more than solar rooftops. Sunrock develops smart, integrated solutions for the generation and consumption of clean energy. Nick van den Bovenkamp, Product Owner of Sunrock’s Energy Management System (EMS), knows all about that. He once started at Sunrock as a graduate intern and has continued to grow since then. We spoke to him about innovation, teamwork and the future of smart energy.
Can you tell us about your journey to Sunrock?
Four and a half years ago, I started at Sunrock as a graduate intern in the Innovation team. The organisation was in the middle of a growth phase and had expanded to Germany. My research was about optimisation methods for integrated energy systems with a central Energy Management System (EMS). That was still a theoretical concept at the time; now, we are really developing projects. It’s fantastic to see that the EMS has now become an essential part of our solutions, and it makes me so proud.
What does your role look like today?
I work as a Product Owner for our EMS and our simulation software. With two internal teams and our external partner, I develop new functionalities and improvements. Every morning we start with short check-ins to align priorities and help each other where necessary. What I like most is bridgeing the gap between vision and technology, along with translating customer requirements into a concrete, scalable solution. In the past year, we have mainly worked on a stable foundation for our platform. Next year we will really reap the benefits.
What makes Sunrock different from other parties in the market?
One of our most important aspirations is to always be a trusted energy partner for our customers. This means that we are willing to go the extra mile, deliver tailor-made solutions and build innovative solutions that fit their specific wishes and goals. Our customers are often logistics or industrial companies. They must be able to rely on their energy supply. For example, if a fast charger for electric trucks fails, they need to know immediately so that they can adjust their schedule. We ensure that this process runs automatically and that malfunctions are resolved quickly. That level of integration and involvement makes us unique.
What are you most proud of?
One of the best moments was when our first integrated energy solution – including a solar system, battery and fast chargers – went live. It was impressive to see how the EMS automatically releases charging power as soon as the sun rises. The customer can now charge his electric trucks at 720 kW, while the building also consumes 140 kW, and only 223 kW can come from the grid. Thanks to smart energy management with controllable fast chargers, solar system and battery, it just works. That’s where technology and sustainability really reinforce each other.
What motivates you personally in this work?
I strongly believe in the power of decentralised energy systems. Without such smart solutions, we will not achieve tough net-zero targets. It motivates me enormously to work at a company that is at the forefront of this and is constantly looking for ways to make a sustainable impact.
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for the future?
Optimising local energy supply and demand within the boundaries of the electricity grid is becoming the new norm, especially in logistics and industrial environments. Intelligent energy control is the way to prevent grid congestion and get the most out of available energy. At Sunrock, we don’t say “Your energy just got smarter” for nothing.” This will only become more relevant in the coming years.
Towards a smarter energy system
With experts like Nick van den Bovenkamp, Sunrock is building a future in which smart technology and sustainable energy go hand in hand. Our mission: not only to generate energy, but to create value. For people, society and the environment.
Curious about what smart energy management can do for your real estate or company? Get in touch and have a cup of coffee with us.
