In response to grid congestion: Prologis puts first European microgrid into operation in Dutch distribution center

AMSTERDAM, November 12, 2025 – In a region where growth is nearly impossible due to grid congestion, Prologis has developed a 23,000-square-foot logistics property that will operate largely independently. The site in Almere, the Netherlands, is equipped with a microgrid – a local energy system that combines solar energy, storage and emergency power.

We suggest the following caption: Prologis' site in Almere, the Netherlands, is equipped with a microgrid – a local energy system that combines solar energy, storage, and backup power (© Prologis).

This allows the property to operate in a location where full grid connection is not available. This is a real-world example of how businesses and critical infrastructure can grow under restricted conditions.

Since only 55 kW of grid capacity was available at the site, which is not sufficient for typical industrial use, Prologis implemented a microgrid within a year that increases the available power sevenfold to about 400 kW .

The system combines a rooftop solar system, battery storage, emergency generators, and an intelligent energy management system that prioritizes locally generated solar power. The solar energy is stored in batteries, and a gas generator only provides additional supply when needed. As an emergency backup, a second unit is installed that runs on HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil -100%), a renewable diesel fuel produced entirely from waste vegetable oils, animal fats or other sustainable raw materials. The system is designed to achieve 99.9% reliability through triple redundancy.

"Grid congestion has become one of the biggest hidden risks to economic growth in Europe," said Melchert Duijve, vice president, Energy & Sustainability, Prologis Europe. "This project shows that business and industry do not have to wait and that companies can secure a reliable power supply and develop today, and not in a few years. Microgrids are still rare, but I assume that they will soon be part of the natural equipment of buildings."

A concept for markets with limited energy resources

Grid congestion is already influencing investment decisions in the Netherlands. Almere is one of the many areas under pressure, but also one of the first where such a solution has been implemented. It is the first Prologis microgrid in Europe and a scalable model for other locations with corresponding grid restrictions. Individual modules can be adapted to local conditions. Prologis is implementing a similar project in the United States, where electrification is also progressing faster than infrastructure expansion.

"For our customers, reliability is not optional," said Marijn van den Heuvel, Director, Capital Deployment, Prologis Netherlands. "In Almere, we have built a logistics centre that is already operational today, although the grid connection will not take place for a few years. This will maintain supply chains and secure local jobs."

Smart, sustainable design

The newly developed, fully electrified logistics facility has been designed in accordance with BREEAM's 'Very Good' certification, a recognised European standard for sustainable construction that assesses overall performance in areas such as energy efficiency, materials and design quality.

The building is powered by heat pumps, has triple glazing and LED lighting, and is built with recycled materials and a demountable steel structure. The appearance is coordinated with the surroundings: In consultation with the municipality, the team decided on a natural façade cladding and an open entrance area.

"This project, developed in close cooperation with the city of Almere, shows that economic growth and sustainability can also evolve within the existing electricity grid," said Melchert Duijve. "It illustrates how logistics development can be continued responsibly with limited infrastructure, in line with the national commitment to address grid congestion and support the energy transition."

About Prologis

Prologis is the world's leading provider of logistics real estate with around 121 million square meters of gross floor area in 20 countries (as of September 30, 2025). The company develops, owns and operates sustainable logistics sites and complements its offering with energy, mobility and operations services for holistic supply chain solutions. With its size, innovative strength and industry expertise, Prologis plays a leading role and sets standards for the future. More than 6,500 customers from industry, retail, and e-commerce use Prologis to make their supply chains more efficient and environmentally conscious. For more information, see Prologis.com.

Media Contact

Maria Mateen

External Communications Manager Northern Europe, Prologis

mmateen@prologis.com

+31 20 655 1958

Ina Schmaloske

Senior PR Consultant, STROOMER Communications

ina.schmaloske@stroomer.de

040 85313324