Combination of wind, solar and a battery in the Groetpolder

From arable farming to an energy cooperative

The wind and solar parks in the Groetpolder are located in the middle of an 800-hectare arable farming area. The wind park was established in 1995 by seven agricultural entrepreneurs whose land bordered each other. They were pioneers, among the first in the Netherlands to develop wind energy commercially.

The park consists of six large and seven smaller wind turbines with a total capacity of 19.5 MW. This corresponds to an annual production of around 60.5 million kWh. That is enough sustainable energy for approximately 17,000 to 20,000 households and saves about 26,300 tons of CO₂ emissions each year.

The energy projects initially started as a way to bring more stability:

“Revenues in arable farming can vary enormously from year to year and even within a year. The differences can be huge.”

But in the Groetpolder the entrepreneurs look far beyond that, both for their businesses and for the surrounding area.

“You want to leave the world you have in a better state for your children.”

From the very beginning it was clear that the park would only work if the local community was included:

“Wind parks stand or fall with their surroundings.”

Local residents receive a fixed compensation for as long as the park operates. Part of this was a permit requirement, but the specific implementation was their own choice. They deliberately opted for a generous compensation.

For the entrepreneurs this is simply logical:

“If it’s good for us, it should be good for everyone.”

Why a battery was the next step

Next to the wind park there is also a solar park in the Groetpolder. Zonneweide Groetpolder BV has 44,712 solar panels across roughly 15 hectares net and a capacity of about 20.3 MWp. Both parks already have grid connections.

“We can use those much more efficiently by adding a battery. Sometimes there’s simply too much sun and too much wind. Then you need to balance that.”

The battery will soon be added to the parks and will allow the entrepreneurs to steer even more actively on the energy market.

Where things started to become restrictive

For years the parks worked steadily with a large energy supplier. That changed when battery operation became a concrete plan.

“Battery control there was mainly offered for a fixed fee.”

On paper that sounds safe. In practice it means the controlling party has little incentive to further optimize performance. The Groetpolder board looked at this pragmatically:

“We were curious what it would deliver if you actually steer actively.”

At Eddy Grid things work differently. No fixed fee, but a percentage of the realized revenue. Interests are aligned. If the battery earns more, both parties benefit.

“With you, taking risks together was simply the norm.”

Direct collaboration

The board of the Groetpolder parks makes decisions quickly, among people who know each other well. They expect the same speed and involvement from their partners.

For them it is important that performance is not only recorded, but actively monitored and adjusted. That there is continuous attention to optimization opportunities. That signals are picked up immediately.

“We like short lines and quick action. If there’s a problem, it needs to be solved.”

Return on investment matters. But for the Groetpolder parks that return must come from active management and real engagement. Accessibility and support also carry significant weight. They want a party that works proactively with their assets every day. A partner that thinks along, adapts and remains approachable.

That also means being critical. Asking questions. Reviewing invoices. Challenging assumptions. There is room for that.

One example: when the entrepreneurs gave feedback on the Eddy Grid dashboard, it was addressed. Not only for them, but for all customers. The result was an even clearer overview.

“We’re growing towards each other. That’s natural at the start.”

Battery control as the decisive factor

Battery operation is difficult to predict. The market changes quickly and price peaks are never guaranteed.

“No one knows exactly what the future will bring with a battery like this.”

That is precisely why they wanted a party that works actively in that market every single day.

“We hope the battery will be steered well. That’s one of the main reasons we took this step.”

No grand promises, just proving that it works.

Trust that goes beyond today

In new partnerships it’s not only entrepreneurs who take a close look. Financiers also want to understand who they are working with. The bank reviewed the contract and Eddy Grid as a partner.

The fact that Eddy Grid was already known to financiers provided additional confidence.

For the Groetpolder parks this was not the decisive factor. For these entrepreneurs it ultimately comes down to trust in how the technology is managed.

“If something comes up, you’ll hear it quickly. Always honest. That’s the foundation.”