Belgian real estate investor Montea NV (EBR:MONT) plans to allocate EUR 30 million (USD 32.3 million) towards equipping its logistics sites in Belgium and the Netherlands with battery energy storage systems (BESS), totaling 56 MWh. This initiative underscores Montea's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint and enhancing energy independence.
According to Montea, the BESS will play a crucial role in powering various operations such as lighting, heating, cooling of logistics platforms, and charging electric vehicles (EVs), thereby reducing reliance on the grid.
In Belgium, Montea will invest EUR 17.5 million to deploy battery units across 14 locations, covering approximately half of its properties in the country, including key areas like Antwerp and Brussels. The 35 MWh BESS in Belgium is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
Across the border in the Netherlands, Montea plans to install an additional 21 MWh of battery systems at seven sites, with an investment of EUR 12.5 million.
Montea estimates a 12% return on investment from these ventures across both countries.
Since the end of 2021, Montea's operations have been carbon neutral, largely due to its procurement of green power. The company aims to maintain this status without resorting to carbon offsetting measures by 2030. As part of this strategy, Montea is set to have 87 MWp of solar panels installed on its rooftops by the conclusion of 2024.
This move aligns with Montea's broader sustainability goals and reinforces its position as a leader in environmentally responsible real estate development.
