Etriplus, the energy development company from Greenport Venlo has signed an agreement with Fresh Park Venlo (part of ZON Holding) to install 1,650 solar panels. The solar panels are being installed on the buildings where ZON, together with Blue Berry World, operates a packing station for soft fruit. The project is being commissioned by Etriplus and installed by KiesZon; Fresh Park Venlo has leased the solar panels. Fresh Park Venlo is actively working on sustainable development, and solar panels are part of that approach.
The project has a production capacity of 370,000 kWh annually. Thus, most of Blue Berry World's energy consumption will be sustainable. KiesZon is the developer and financier of the entire project. After the panels have been installed KiesZon will also be responsible for operation and maintenance. The project is expected to be finished before the end of the year.
Busy installing the panels
Fresh Park Venlo's goal to become more sustainable effects all their buildings; including the new buildings, the old buildings and the surrounding terrain, "Blue Berry World's existing building is ideal for solar panels. Therefore, we are not running an operating risk with the lease agreement with KiesZon, we preserve our property and the energy bill will not be more than what we pay now," says Fresh Park Venlo's financial director, Ari Franken.
Frank Brandsen, director of Etriplus, says that sustainability is central at Greenport Venlo, "We are working with various companies in the area to prepare several projects. This first project in Fresh Park will soon be followed by several other initiatives, and in this way we meet Etriplus's goal for sustainability for Greenport Venlo."
Frank Heijckmann, director of KiesZon, sees the installment of the solar panels as a good example of sustainability, "Refrigerating fresh products sustainably with the sun as the energy source completes the circle of sustainability. We are proud that we can make this possible for Fresh Park Venlo. We are working to create a sustainable energy supply for the Netherlands."