As one of Europe's leading logistics and supply chain service providers, Katoen Natie is investing heavily in renewable energy generation and energy storage to support its sustainability ambitions. To accelerate this transition, the company has partnered with Alfen to deploy large-scale battery energy storage systems and supporting grid infrastructure across its operations in Belgium. 

Through a series of projects delivered over the past several years, Alfen has helped Katoen Natie significantly expand its sustainable energy capacity, creating the foundation for more energy-independent facilities and supporting the company's broader emissions reduction goals. 

A Leader in Sustainable Logistics 

Katoen Natie operates an extensive network of logistics terminals and industrial facilities throughout Belgium and beyond. As both a major energy consumer and a growing producer of renewable energy, the company recognises the importance of investing in infrastructure that enables a more sustainable and resilient energy system. 

With renewable energy generation continuing to grow and Belgium targeting significant emissions reductions by 2030, Katoen Natie has made the expansion of its energy infrastructure a strategic priority. 

The Challenge 

As Katoen Natie increased its investments in renewable energy generation, it became increasingly important to ensure that supporting infrastructure could keep pace. The company required a solution capable of storing larger volumes of renewable energy, improving energy flexibility across multiple sites, and supporting future electrification initiatives. 

At the same time, Katoen Natie wanted to strengthen its contribution to grid stability in the regions where it operates while preparing for emerging trends such as electric truck fleets and shore power solutions for vessels at port terminals. 

Tom Brouwers, Energy Manager at Katoen Natie, explains: "One lesson we have all learned during the energy transition is the importance of critical infrastructure keeping pace with the growth of sustainable power generation sources. We want to do our part as a major producer of renewable energy to stabilise the grid in the regions in which we operate, and Alfen is helping us do this." 

The Approach 

Building on a partnership that began in 2016, Alfen worked closely with Katoen Natie to develop and deploy a combination of battery energy storage systems and supporting electrical infrastructure across multiple facilities. 

Over the past 24 months, the companies have collaborated on projects that have tripled Katoen Natie's sustainable energy infrastructure capacity. In 2024 alone, agreements were signed for two TheBattery Elements systems and two TheBattery MobileX systems. 

The battery installations are complemented by nearly 40 large-scale Alfen transformer substations that distribute power throughout Katoen Natie's terminal network. Together, these technologies create a flexible and scalable energy ecosystem that supports renewable energy integration, operational reliability, and future growth. 

According to Tom Brouwers: "As we installed Alfen's concrete walk-in substations, the quality of work we received from the Alfen team gave me confidence to expand our relationship and create a full turnkey solution for our projects." 

The Result 

By the end of 2024, Katoen Natie will operate five facilities across Belgium equipped with Alfen battery storage technologies, significantly increasing the company's ability to manage renewable energy generation and consumption. 

The expanded infrastructure supports Katoen Natie's sustainability strategy while creating a stronger foundation for future electrification initiatives. 

Key outcomes include: 

• Sustainable energy storage capacity expected to reach nearly 100MWh across Katoen Natie's Belgian operations. 

• Five facilities equipped with next-generation battery energy storage technologies. 
• Nearly 40 transformer substations deployed to support power distribution across the terminal network. 
• Sustainable energy infrastructure capacity tripled over a 24-month period. 
• Enhanced capability to support future initiatives including energy-independent facilities and electric transport fleets. 

Further Development 

Katoen Natie and Alfen continue to explore new opportunities to strengthen the sustainability of logistics operations. Among the initiatives currently being evaluated is the development of charging infrastructure at ship quays, supporting future regulations that will require vessels to reduce emissions while docked in port. 

As the partnership continues to evolve, both companies remain focused on creating innovative energy solutions that support the ongoing energy transition.