Record sunshine hours March 2022
In March 2022, the highest number of hours of sunshine was recorded since nationwide measurements began in 1909: more than 240 hours. Freight Line produced more energy in March than it used itself. The surplus solar energy was sold and fed back to the grid, generating additional income. In addition, it provided significant cost savings, since Freight Line was less dependent on the network and therefore had to purchase less electricity.
SDE subsidy
Freight Line Europe chose to become more sustainable by investing in solar panels. Scholt Energy already applied for the SDE subsidy in March 2020, while the business premises still had to be built. This made it possible for construction of the business premises, as well as timing and planning, to be handled efficiently. In April 2021, Scholt Energy started development of the solar installation project.
Scholt Energy compared various installers of solar panels to make the best possible business case. Ultimately, Sunprojects was chosen to install the solar panels at Freight Line. Dael, Freight Line’s in-house installer, connected the inverters of the solar panels to the electrical panel, and the system is linked to the existing lightning installation. This link ensures that when lightning strikes, the building and its electricity infrastructure suffer less damage. In collaboration with Dael and Sunprojects, a viable system was realised before the subsidy deadline. The solar system covers 75% of the building’s power consumption needs, with the remainder being purchased using Scholt Energy’s distribution concept.
Sustainable ambitions
Freight Line considers the use of sustainable equipment and the development of sustainable initiatives very important. They are aware of their CO2 emissions and aim to keep these to a minimum. For example, the fleet of tractor units meets the highest applicable Euro6 emission standard, and drivers are taught driving skills to enable them to drive as economically and efficiently as possible.
About Freight Line
Freight Line is a partner for the refrigerated transport of vegetables, fruit, flowers, plants, etc. To this end, it operates a modern, temperature-controlled fleet. This makes it possible to create an uninterrupted cold chain from loading location to unloading address. It provides transport and groupage services to locations in the UK and France. From a single pallet to a full load.
Also interested in installing solar panels?
Please contact our Energy Transition Specialists.
