Sustainability Meets Innovation At Equestrian Center Exloo

The Hippisch Centrum Exloo, a well-known horse center in the Netherlands, aims to become the most sustainable equestrian center in the country. In this blog, Barend Goes, marketer at iwell, explains how the equestrian center was able to boost energy transition with the help of iwell's smart battery systems.

Most sustainable horse center in the Netherlands

Hippisch Centrum Exloo is a well-known name in the world of equestrian sports, but the outdated complex was in need of an upgrade and a change in sustainability. In 2016, owner Lieuwe Koopmans expressed his ambition to become the most sustainable equestrian center in the Netherlands. With a large and advanced outdoor area, two large riding halls and almost seventy stables with hosing and tethering areas, there was a lot to gain in terms of sustainability. First, the moisture control of the indoor and outdoor stalls was addressed. Then the halogen lighting in the halls and canteen was replaced with LED lamps, the white goods and kitchen equipment were replaced with energy-efficient versions, and the roof was renewed and insulated. But the ambitions were bigger. Koopmans asked the province of Drenthe to advise on the use of subsidies and the right partners to work with. Harold Veldkamp, project manager for Smart Energy Systems at the province, advised conducting an energy check and applying for subsidies through the Grid Congestion Solutions Subsidy Scheme and SDE++. Under this scheme, the center receives compensation for 15 years for the difference between the cost price of the technology and the market value of the renewable energy produced. This allows the center to recover the cost of the investment in solar panels and the battery system.

Grid congestion in Drenthe

Koopmans installed 604 solar panels on the renovated roofs. Unfortunately, the electricity grid in Drenthe - as in many other parts of the Netherlands - against the limits. On the advice of provincial specialists, the Hippisch Centrum chose to cooperate with iwell. Since September 2022, there has been an iwell battery system in Exloo with a capacity of 210 kWh that acts as storage for the 604 solar panels. Thus, the horse center is amply supplied with electricity from the stock of energy stored during the day. There is often even energy left over to supply to Golfpark Exloo for the power pumps of the sprinkler system at night. Koopmans is also considering powering some AC chargers for electric vehicles from the batteries. iwell's self-learning software prevents solar power from being fed back into the Drenthe power grid, so the Equestrian Center could use solar panels without burdening the tight Drenthe power grid.

Finding Solutions

Thanks to these sustainable measures, the equestrian center's electricity costs have been reduced to virtually zero and Koopmans expects them to soon be energy-neutral and the greenest equestrian center in the Netherlands. That makes the Exloo Equestrian Center a great example of how to solve problems and take advantage of opportunities in energy transition. By finding smart solutions, such as installing a battery system, together we can accelerate the energy transition and contribute to a sustainable future.

Source: iwell