Triodos Groenfonds Powers Sustainable Projects Amidst Grid Challenges
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
Triodos Groenfonds continues to support over 250 sustainable projects in the Netherlands, despite the challenges posed by the overloaded power grid, showcasing resilience in green financing.
Overcoming Grid Overload with Innovation
The Dutch power grid has reached its maximum capacity, causing significant delays in the connection of new and existing projects to the grid. This situation has hampered the efforts of businesses aiming to become more sustainable [1]. In response, Triodos Groenfonds has been instrumental in financing projects that circumvent these limitations by investing in alternative solutions. For example, Joulz, a company managing around 50 megawatts of peak solar capacity, is supported by Triodos Groenfonds to advance the energy transition without further burdening the public grid [2].
Joulz: A Model for Sustainable Energy Solutions
Joulz exemplifies how sustainable practices can thrive even under infrastructural constraints. With financial backing from Triodos Groenfonds, Joulz has developed innovative energy systems that provide extra capacity for businesses, facilitating their transition to sustainable operations [2]. Michiel van Schravendijk, CFO of Joulz, emphasizes the need for such solutions, stating that they are crucial for progress in the current energy landscape [1][2].
Triodos Groenfonds: A Legacy of Green Investments
For more than 25 years, Triodos Groenfonds has been a pioneer in green investments, supporting over 250 sustainable projects across the Netherlands [1][3]. The fund is known for its low-risk profile, categorized as risk class 2 on a scale of 1-7, offering both financial returns and substantial environmental impact [1]. Despite the expiration of the Dutch government’s Groenregeling in 2027, which will remove tax benefits for green investments, Triodos Groenfonds is poised to explore new opportunities in sectors like the circular economy and battery storage [3].
Expanding Horizons: De Groene Afslag
One of the notable projects financed by Triodos Groenfonds is De Groene Afslag, a circular economy initiative located in Bussum. Recently, it moved to a larger site, the Spiegelhorst building, to expand its operations. This project, which includes a vegetarian restaurant, sustainable hotel rooms, and workspaces, is a testament to the fund’s commitment to fostering sustainable innovation [4][5]. The relocation was made possible through a EUR 7.5 million loan from Triodos Groenfonds and Triodos Bank, alongside private contributions [4].