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.
