Case Studies

Anesco has successfully partnered with Shell Renewables and Energy Solutions to build a portfolio of solar and storage projects in the UK and the Netherlands.

Project overview

Anesco has partnered with Shell Renewables and Energy Solutions, a business of Royal Dutch Shell that invests in new and fast-growing segments of the energy industry, to build a portfolio of solar farms in the Netherlands and a battery storage facility in the UK.

UK battery storage project

Anesco and Shell first began working together in 2019, when Anesco managed the design, procurement, installation, commissioning and maintenance of a battery storage plant located adjacent to Shell’s Bacton gas terminal site in the UK.

26MWp solar in Emmen and Heerenveen

In 2020, Anesco went on to deliver two large solar farms for Shell in the Netherlands – a milestone moment for Anesco, being the first two projects completed outside of the UK.

The first was a 12MWp facility in Emmen, in the province of Drenthe in the northeast of the Netherlands, situated on the site of a former gas works. The second was a 14MWp installation near to the town of Heerenveen, in the province of Friesland.

The two sites span a total area of approximately 130 acres (52 hectares), with construction taking approximately 6 months.

Project challenges and opportunities

Anesco’s EPC team faced many unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which were successfully navigated. The result being that the two solar farms were completed both efficiently and safely.

In addition, waste materials from the two projects, including surplus cabling and steel work, were recycled, with the money generated being donated to a local hospice. The total raised was further increased by a contribution from contractor SUEZ Nederland and with Shell then doubling the amount, taking it to 6000 euros.

30MWp solar farm in Sas Van Gent-Zuid

In 2021, the Anesco team continued to deliver for Shell in the Netherlands. This time to design and construct a 30MWp solar farm in Sas Van Gent-Zuid in the province of Zeeland.

The solar farm has been built on a former industrial site and is located close to the border with Belgium. The site covers an area of 24.7 hectares and consists of more than 55,000 solar modules.

As a trusted partner, Anesco once again worked closely alongside other partner organisations, to combine industry expertise and operational best practice, for the benefit of biodiversity and solar.

Enhanced solar farm biodiversity

Anesco is committed to enhancing the biodiversity of sites it develops, for the benefit of native plants and wildlife, including the creation of habitats for the most at-risk species.

Working together with Shell and its stakeholders, Anesco developed a biodiversity enhancement program for each solar farm. This included conducting an on-site scientific research project, demonstrating the beneficial co-existence of solar parks and nature- friendly landscaping and site management.

Operations and maintenance (O&M)

The battery and three solar farms are being supported by Anesco’s operations and maintenance team, who ensure they continue to perform at their optimal efficiency and generate the maximum return on investment.