Fastned to Purchase Electricity from New Solar Park at Den Helder Airport
Fastned has signed a corporate power purchase agreement with Ecorus to buy electricity from a new solar park at Den Helder Airport, with construction starting in Q4 2024.
A Major Step Towards Sustainability
The new power purchase agreement (PPA) marks Fastned’s second major collaboration with Ecorus. Fastned, a European fast-charging company, is set to double its solar energy intake with this agreement. The electricity, generated from 43,000 solar panels, will be delivered directly to Fastned’s charging stations across the Netherlands. This move aligns with Fastned’s commitment to sustainability and stable energy pricing.
Details of the Solar Park
The solar park, known as Heldair 2, will be developed by Ecorus and is located next to Maritime Airport De Kooy and Den Helder Airport. With a capacity of over 25 megawatt-peak (MWp), the park is expected to generate approximately 22 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of solar energy annually. This output is significant, accounting for over a quarter of Fastned’s total electricity consumption in the Netherlands in 2023.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The 15-year agreement provides price stability for Fastned, which is crucial for both customer confidence and financial planning. According to Mike Dusseldorp, Head of PPA and Energy Markets at Ecorus, the long-term nature of the agreement also enhances financing opportunities for the solar park. This partnership is seen as a win-win, enabling Fastned to offer renewable energy at a stable price while helping Ecorus secure the necessary funding for the project.
Impact on the Energy Transition
Roland van der Put, Energy Sourcing Manager at Fastned, emphasized the broader impact of such agreements on the energy transition. By securing long-term renewable energy sources, Fastned not only ensures a stable supply for its charging stations but also accelerates the shift towards a greener energy grid. This initiative is part of Fastned’s larger strategy to support the development of renewable energy projects across Europe.
Future Prospects
The construction of the solar park is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, with the first solar energy expected to be produced in early 2025. This timeline underscores a swift transition from agreement to implementation, highlighting both companies’ commitment to rapid progress in renewable energy deployment. As Fastned continues to expand its network of fast-charging stations, partnerships like this one with Ecorus will play a critical role in supporting sustainable mobility across Europe.