Sustainable solutions for commercial new-builds with net congestion problems
Business demand for electricity grid connections is growing, but the grid has too little capacity in more and more places in the Netherlands. The resulting grid congestion is making it hard for many businesses to realise their growth potential.
Eighteen months ago, however, Kronenburg Techniek managed to overcome this obstacle when building their new business premises in Houten. By installing an on-site battery, the company can now generate its own electricity with solar panels and also store it to optimise its power use. Thanks in part to the tailored financing solution designed in cooperation with ABN AMRO.
Many companies considering a move to brand-new premises see their plans thwarted by grid congestion. This often forces them to tone down their sustainable ambitions or postpone the building project. In 2023, Kronenburg Techniek – a family business with almost 60 years of experience in installation engineering – faced similar problems when they wanted to relocate to new, future-proof premises in Houten.
“We wanted an energy-neutral building, but we ran up against a number of obstacles in the drawing-board stage. The installations, systems, solar panels and charging stations required a grid connection of three times 250 amps. But due to net congestion, less than a third of that capacity was available,” says Ernst Kronenburg, the family firm’s general manager.
The solution: a smart energy system
With its long track record in supplying high-end, certified technical installations to customers in industry, healthcare and education, Kronenburg had the know-how to tackle this problem. “The solution we designed combines a roof full of solar panels, a large battery capable of storing over 400 kWh of energy, an AI-driven air conditioning installation and a row of rapid chargers for vehicles, all governed by a smart energy management system".
“All the electricity we generate is stored in a state-of-the-art battery, which supports a sustainable, energy-efficient working environment. We can store the energy produced and use it for the charging stations overnight and in the weekend. That provides a buffer for peak use times, so that our business can keep operating even when demand for electricity is high. This is more than just a nice-to-have: companies are increasingly being fined when they temporarily use more power capacity than their contract allows. So what we’ve got is a smart solution for net congestion problems. We’ve even become a role model for other companies that are considering doing something similar.”
Sustainable, inspiring workplace
Late 2023, the family business introduced its new Smart Energy Solutions division to some 150 new and existing customers. This division showcases the smart energy solutions that Kronenburg has created for itself, with the aim of supporting other companies facing net congestion challenges with advice on energy management systems and smart battery solutions.
For its own new-build project, Kronenburg sought financing from ABN AMRO. The bank granted them a Green Loan for the construction of its sustainable new premises in Houten. Cordi Blonk, ABN AMRO Business Banker for the industrial sector, explains the ins and outs. “Thanks to the building’s extremely low energy use, much of the required sustainability financing could be provided through a Green Loan, which offers an interest rate discount of 0.4 percentage points. Moreover, our colleagues from Subsidy Expertise saw to it that Kronenberg received a sustainable new-build subsidy.”
Moreover, Kronenburg now offers its own customers who are considering the purchase of a power storage battery a similar financing solution, in collaboration with ABN AMRO. “Kronenburg’s customers can apply for financing from us to lease batteries. They buy the battery from Kronenburg and finance it through ABN AMRO. ABN AMRO can apply for the relevant subsidies, without Kronenburg’s customers necessarily having to bank with ABN AMRO.”
Future-proof premises
Ernst Kronenburg and over 60 employees are extremely happy with their modern, energy-neutral workspace in Houten, fully equipped with the latest digital conveniences, where all the technologies and specialisations come together. “This location offers both employees and visitors an inspiring place of work, which we regularly open as a ‘showroom’ so that our business partners can see for themselves how you can apply smart energy solutions to build a futureproof business.”
More information
Would you like to learn more about ABN AMRO’s Green Loan and subsidies for sustainable commercial building projects? Send an email to mobilitymanufacturing4@nl.abnamro.com.