Alfen technologies help leading logistics provider Katoen Natie triple sustainable energy storage capacity to nearly 100MWh and accelerate Belgium’s net zero carbon targets
- Alfen technologies power a network of terminal operations, store solar-generated energy and charge growing electric truck fleet
- Current projects across Flanders will triple Katoen’s installed capacity by the end of 2024
- In 2024 alone, Katoen Natie signed agreements with Alfen for 2 additional TheBattery Elements and 2 TheBattery Mobile X battery energy storage systems
Almere, The Netherlands, 29 August 2024 – Alfen’s ongoing installation of battery storage technologies at Katoen Natie’s facilities are expected to further expand the logistics provider’s sustainable storage capacity in Belgium to nearly 100MWh by the end of 2024. As renewable power generation accelerates toward Belgium’s target of 470GWh by 2030, the two companies have worked together on a series of projects over the last 24 months to triple Katoen Natie’s infrastructure capacity for sustainable power in its operations. In 2024 alone, Katoen Natie and Alfen signed agreements for 2 TheBattery Elements and 2 TheBattery MobileX energy storage systems.
“The accelerated pace of Katoen Natie’s investment in energy infrastructure in recent years is truly impressive, and the Alfen Belgium team is proud to support their sustainability commitment,” said Yves Vercammen, Alfen’s country manager for Belgium. “Their team’s willingness to continue piloting new technologies in innovative ways clearly demonstrates the leadership mindset Katoen Natie brings to Belgium’s emissions reduction commitments. We’re especially excited to offer them our 4th generation mobile battery which is even more versatile and flexible than the previous generations and can provide up to 70% more energy.”
By the end of 2024, Katoen Natie will operate 5 facilities throughout Belgium outfitted with next generation technologies from Alfen’s TheBattery Elements and TheBattery Mobile X portfolios to support its transportation and logistics terminals. This storage infrastructure is complemented with nearly 40 large-scale transformer substations that Alfen has already installed to manage the distribution of power across Katoen Natie’s terminal network. Combined, these Alfen technologies are paving the way for the rapid expansion of sustainability trends in Katoen Natie’s operations, including energy independent facilities and electric truck fleets.
“One lesson we have all learned during the energy transition is the importance of critical infrastructure keeping pace with the growth of sustainable power generation sources,” said Tom Brouwers, Energy Manager at Katoen Natie. “Achieving Belgium’s target to reduce emissions 35% by 2030* will take an enormous commitment from the entire business community, and our team is working hard to support this effort with as many of our partners like Alfen and customers as we can. At the same time, we want to do our part as a massive producer of renewable energy to stabilise the grid in the regions of Belgium in which we operate, and Alfen is helping us do this."
Expanding the relationship
"As we installed its concrete walk-in substations, the quality of work we got from the Alfen team gave me confidence to expand our relationship to add the TheBattery Elements and create a full turnkey solution for our projects. Our local partners such as fire departments who inspect the equipment really like the flexibility Alfen’s modular battery configurations offer from a safety perspective.”
Evaluating future projects
The Alfen and Katoen Natie partnership dates back to 2016 with the companies continuously looking for ways to expand their working relationship. Other emerging needs the two companies are currently evaluating together include developing electric charging infrastructure at ship quays Katoen Natie operates to manage upcoming European regulations that will prohibit transport ships from keeping diesel engines on while docked in the harbour.
About Alfen
At the heart of Europe’s energy transition from fossil-based to zero carbon to limit climate change by 2050, Alfen specialises in energy solutions for the future. Its integrated solutions are helping customers throughout Europe address their electricity challenges and achieve climate neutrality. Alfen continuously builds on 87 years of innovation with its smart grid solutions, energy storage systems and EV charging stations installed in 30+ countries throughout Europe.
Alfen has been developing energy storage systems since 2011 with installations totalling more than 1+ GWh of energy capacity contracted across 11 European countries. These systems are underpinned by two key products: TheBattery Elements is Alfen's proven industrial modular energy storage system for stationary applications ranging from 1 to 100MW+ energy storage solutions. TheBattery MobileX is Alfen’s 4th generation mobile battery energy storage system which can provide up to 70% more energy within the same form factor. For more information visit this webpage.
About Alfen Belgium
Alfen expanded its presence to Belgium in 2007 initially offering transformer substations and turn-key grid solutions. Today Alfen offers its complete portfolio of products and services to Belgian customers to support the electricity grid of the future.
*Compared to 2005 levels.