GreenTrust is exploring an energy solution for De Leistert

De Leistert Recreation Park in Roggel has grown significantly in recent years. There are also expansion plans for the coming years. For example, the park is working on electrifying its heating needs, and there are plans for a new swimming pool. As a result, electricity demand is rising sharply.

The existing grid connection is not large enough to accommodate that growth. GreenTrust was therefore commissioned by Recreatiepark de Leistert and the Zuidenwind and Leudal Energie cooperatives to investigate whether nearby wind farms could help ensure that De Leistert continues to have a sufficient power supply in the future.

Increased Electricity Demand Due to De Leistert’s Growth

For Stan Reinders, a consultant at GreenTrust, the project has a personal side to it. Between the ages of ten and sixteen, he spent many summers at De Leistert. So he knows the park, the swimming pool, and the surrounding area very well.

“As a child, I spent many summers here. It’s special to now be part of the GreenTrust team helping to develop a solution to the energy challenge facing this location. This case study clearly demonstrates how local generation, storage, and consumption can be intelligently integrated.”
— Stan Reinders, GreenTrust

Among other things, GreenTrust investigated a possible direct connection between De Leistert and the nearby wind farms De Kookepan and Heibloem.

Study on Direct Connection to Wind Farms

GreenTrust examined several scenarios. One of these scenarios involves on-site battery storage. Under this scenario, De Leistert would continue to use its existing grid connection, supplemented by a battery and a small generator. This solution requires a smaller initial investment but does entail relatively high annual costs. For this reason, a direct cable connection to a nearby wind farm was also considered. In that scenario, wind energy, battery storage, and De Leistert’s electricity consumption are combined.

An important part of the study was the analysis of the alignment of supply and demand. This also involved calculating how much electricity De Leistert needs and how much wind energy is available at different times. Years with less wind were also taken into account. During periods of low wind, a backup remains necessary, for example in the form of grid power or a generator.

The study also took into account spatial integration and permits. No major obstacles emerged from this analysis. However, there are issues that require further investigation, such as the cable route, land agreements, permitting procedures, and legal questions surrounding the new Energy Act.

Over the long term, a direct connection to a wind farm appears to be more financially attractive than having one’s own battery storage and generator. However, the various risks associated with the different scenarios still need to be thoroughly investigated.

Smartly Combining Energy Storage, Wind Energy, and Grid Connection

This study shows what is needed to move such an energy issue forward. It’s not just about technology. Wind analysis, battery storage, permits, legal feasibility, financial modeling, and knowledge of wind farms also play a role.

GreenTrust has that expertise in-house. As a result, we don’t view an energy issue from the perspective of a single component, but rather in its broader context. Because in projects like these, generation, storage, consumption, regulations, and collaboration must all be well-coordinated. External parties also contributed to the study. This provides a comprehensive picture of what is possible, what is permitted, and what is financially feasible.

Follow-up Study on an Energy Solution Involving the De Kookepan Wind Farm

In the next step, after conducting a risk analysis, the preferred scenario will be further developed. Agreements with the parties involved will also be further explored. These include collaboration, permits, land use, and consultation with the municipality and regulatory authorities.

Do you have a challenging energy-related question? We’d love to take a closer look!

Is your organization also facing growing energy demand, limited grid capacity, or plans to become more sustainable? GreenTrust would be happy to work with you to find a solution that is technically, financially, and spatially feasible.