Official opening of our energy hub in Willebroek
Montea has officially opened its first energy hub in Willebroek, marking a significant milestone in our sustainability strategy. It was the first in a series of energy hubs around its sites. By the end of 2027, we will have energy storage capacity of more than 100 MWh spread across the various countries where Montea is active.
Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, who was in attendance at the opening, emphasized the importance of this large-scale initiative.
“Flanders is a premier region for logistics, and securing that leadership requires strategic infrastructure investments. Our Flemish coalition agreement prioritizes strategic autonomy and smart energy infrastructure as the key pillars of economic resilience in an increasingly turbulent geopolitical landscape. This battery park embodies the vision set forth by the Flemish government. Montea exemplifies how businesses can take the lead in pioneering innovative and competitive solutions.”
“With this investment, we are taking groundbreaking steps to future-proof our sites and support our clients in their energy transition. We are not just building for today, we are above all building for future generations. “Here in Willebroek, this means lighting our buildings with solar energy, heating our warehouses with heat pumps, and charging electric vehicles – including e-trucks used by our client, Dachser – with solar energy generated on site.”
“Rome wasn't built in a day. The logistics sector is making tremendous progress towards zero-emission transport and we want to play a leading role in spearheading this transition. Our goal is to install our first fast charger here after the summer to power our e-trucks. We have already laid the underground pipework for the project. This will save us €16,000 a year in electricity costs, while ensuring the use of green energy.”
“It is inspiring to work with a partner like Montea, who shares our vision of supporting businesses in their transition to net zero and driving the acceleration of electrification. By combining our battery solutions with an advanced EMS, we ensure that renewable energy is efficiently stored and strategically deployed. This empowers companies to maximize their own energy use, alleviate grid congestion and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”
"Our logistics centers are already a leading force in sustainability. By installing energy storage systems, we can supply more energy to our clients and help stabilize the grid. This investment is fully aligned with Montea’s strategy to champion a future-oriented, climate-friendly business."
Supporting our clients' energy transition
Our clients tell us that electrification will become their greatest challenge over the coming years.
As part of Track27, we are investing €75 million in green energy projects by end 2027, including:
- Doubling our solar panel capacity across our properties to 135MWp
- Investing c. €50 million in 100MWh of Energy Storage Systems to enable greater energy independence of our tenants
By investing in battery storage and smart energy solutions, Montea not only supports its clients in their energy transition, but also contributes to a greener, more efficient logistics sector.
"Electric vehicles are booming in terms of passenger transport and in a few years, the same will be true for e-vans and trucks. Logistics centers that are equipped for this – in a sustainable and affordable way – will have the upper hand."
Sustainability and financial goals fully aligned
Installing these battery energy storage systems will also help to partially alleviate grid congestion. The Belgian high-voltage grid operator Elia stated in its Adequacy and Flexibility study for Belgium (2024– 2034) that flexibility, created among other things by battery energy storage systems, will be the core strategy for the coming years.