P3 has partnered with Sunrock to successfully deliver a unique renewable energy project in the Netherlands. This project stands out not just for its installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels but for the extraordinary solution devised to connect the generated energy to the national grid.
Located at P3 Echt, a strategic logistics hub near the German and Belgian borders, the project faced a significant hurdle: the Netherlands' power grid is one of the most congested in Europe. Initially, the local grid operator declined the connection request due to congestion issues, putting the project at risk. However, after collaborative investigations for alternatives between Sunrock and the grid operator, a breakthrough was achieved. The team developed a new 11 km cable connection to the nearest available grid substation, which proved crucial to the project’s success.
The newly installed cable transports the clean energy generated by 24,240 solar panels at P3 Echt directly into the grid, producing up to 12 MWp of renewable energy annually – enough to power more than 3,600 homes. This achievement exceeds current standards, earning P3 Echt the highest possible rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the international sustainability ratings agency BREEAM.
Nick Kavelakis, Group Construction Director at P3, emphasized the significance of this engineering feat: “This project was a challenge because the infrastructure didn’t initially exist to support such a large-scale solar installation. The successful completion of the 11 km underground cable connection is a testament to the collaborative spirit and technical expertise of everyone involved. This solution not only allowed us to proceed with the project but also sets a new benchmark for overcoming grid congestion in renewable energy projects.”
The solar panels were installed by Sunrock, which is the leading European developer of large-scale solar roofs and integrated clean energy solutions, developing customised energy strategies for owners and occupiers of logistics real estate, and commercial & industrial clients. Sunrock was well equipped to take on this complex rooftop solar project, collaborating closely with local stakeholders to facilitate the ambitious installation.
Sebastiaan Morshuis, the Project Developer at Sunrock who was responsible for the project, explained its appeal. “Commercially, this project was of course interesting for us, as P3 is an established player in the market and this roof is a great addition to Sunrock’s portfolio in the Netherlands. The pressure for P3 to achieve the BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certificate pushed us to find creative solutions, especially in an area that initially had grid congestion issues.
It’s great to see how the PV installation contributed to improving the sustainability rating. This project is an excellent example of how PV installations support real estate owners in achieving their environmental goals.”
Looking forward, the success of this project at P3 Echt will likely influence other renewable energy initiatives across Europe, promising to reap benefits for P3 customers. This project, with its extraordinary 11 km grid connection, provides valuable insights for future projects from P3, which will accelerate smaller projects elsewhere. For example, if a tenant wanted charging capacity for trucks in future, then the energy available from a rooftop PV installation could be used to load the batteries of heavy good vehicles on site, reducing reliance on the grid.
“Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges in the world,” said Nick. “At P3, we prioritize sustainability by incorporating proven technologies into our assets, delivering energy-efficient solutions for our tenants and communities. Our need for a solid in-country partner like Sunrock with the right credentials was immense, especially given our limited presence in the Netherlands at the time. We needed a partner with pedigree to complement our own technical expertise. Sunrock fulfilled all these requirements and delivered exactly to our expectations.”
Sunrock is the leading European developer of large-scale solar roofs and integrated clean energy solutions, developing customised energy strategies for owners and occupiers of logistics real estate and C&I (Commercial & Industrial) clients. The solar energy solutions include solar systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and asset management. The company takes care of all aspects of solar projects, including feasibility studies, subsidy applications, financing, insurance, and the operation and management of solar parks to optimise the use of the climate-friendly energy generated.
Sunrock was founded in the Netherlands in 2012 as a start-up in the field of solar energy for logistics properties. In 2020 COFRA Holding acquired Sunrock as part of its commitment to positively impact, through business, key transitions that are crucial for a more liveable planet and equitable society. Sunrock is active in Germany, France, and the Netherlands and employs over 160 people in 2024. Projects totalling over 1 GWp are currently being realised.
Sunrock received B Corp certification for its measures in the areas of social and environmental sustainability. With this award, the company commits to regularly measuring and continuously improving its social and environmental impact.
The company wants to pave the way to a clean energy future with its customers.
More information at: www.sunrock.com