Retail group Colruyt has taken into use a hydrogen station at its distribution centre in Halle, enabling the logistics process to be even more sustainable. In addition, the station makes it possible to store renewable energy. In this way, the company is less dependent on the supply of petroleum and gas.
The company has set itself some goals in the field of sustainability and the commissioning of the station is another step in the right direction. Retail group Colruyt would like to reduce energy consumption from fossil fuels and switch completely to renewable energy. Because it is possible to store energy in the new hydrogen station, the company can use more energy at times when it is really needed. And that offers new economic perspectives and opportunities.
Best alternative
According to Colruyt, hydrogen is the best alternative to fossil fuels because it can be generated by sustainable sources such as wind turbines or solar plants. Because the hydrogen can be stored, it can be called upon whenever there is a peak moment. Whereas many wind turbines and solar plants currently suffer from overcapacity. As a result, surplus electricity cannot always be returned to the grid where hydrogen can be better stored.
Expansion
It is not the company's first hydrogen station. Back in 2012, Colruyt also installed a station powered by a wind turbine and a solar plant, both owned by the company. According to the logistics company, the new station is better and offers more possibilities for the future. Among other things, commercial vehicles can benefit from the extra capacity of hydrogen.
Future plans
For the future, Colruyt also has big plans. For instance, they also want to offer hydrogen to private customers at the filling stations of subsidiary chain Dats 24.
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