Battery Box ensures continuation of flower bulb firm
The end of May to the start of June is the time when flower bulb firm C. van der Vlugt and Sons harvests bulbs for their nursery and for export. Their new business premises in Noordwijkerhout had just started to be involved in this process and was ready for the harvest, but unfortunately the network operator turned out to be unable to connect it to the grid in time. This was due to grid congestion, which means the grid capacity was still insufficient. An increasingly common problem in the Netherlands.
If we can’t harvest for a year then that would be the end of our firm. With the Battery Box Bredenoord has really helped us out of trouble and unburdened us. This ensured the continuation of our firm.
Jeopardized continued existence due to grid congestions
Flower bulb firm C. van der Vlugt and Sons in Noordwijkerhout has existed since 1863. Stan van der Vlugt is the fifth generation to work in this firm, descending from its founder. In 2022 he built new business premises near the old location. Van der Vlugt: “These premises were built as energy neutral as possible and we reused a lot of materials. In addition, the entire roof has been equipped with solar panels. We would like our production to be as clean as possible.”
Sadly during the completion of the building it turned out that it could not yet be connected to the grid. This posed a serious threat for the continuation of the firm, because the harvest of this year also provides the means of production for the next year.
Choosing a hybrid solution
To provide the business premises with the required power Stan contacted Peter van Huit, Area manager Rental at Bredenoord. Peter chose a hybrid solution: a Battery Box 600 combined with a genset. The battery can power the entire building. During the day the genset recharges the battery, after which it is quiet at night, because the battery is low-noise. This is pleasant for the local residents. In addition, this hybrid combination reduces emissions, which perfectly fits with the business philosophy of Stan’s flower bulb firm.