Heylen Warehouses is building the world’s most powerful solar roof thanks to Encon

From logistics buildings to energy-generating future-proof properties

Heylen Warehouses is a leading developer and manager of logistics property that has been consciously embedding sustainability in its vision for future-proof sites for many years. With clients increasingly demanding low fixed costs, a minimal carbon footprint and buildings ready to meet stricter climate standards and rising energy demands, Heylen faced the challenge of consolidating its diverse sustainability initiatives into a single clear and scalable strategy. And there are many of them: from energy-efficient buildings to the structural greening of its portfolio.

Whilst vast roof areas remained unused and the technical complexity of existing buildings hampered large-scale PV installations, Heylen sought a partner who could translate these latent opportunities into concrete, profitable energy projects with technical certainty and a forward-looking impact.

A single integrated end-to-end approach for large-scale solar projects

Encon developed a complete end-to-end process for all Heylen Warehouses’ solar projects. Each roof was meticulously analysed for load-bearing capacity, structure, orientation and energy requirements, after which the ideal installation was designed. Based on this technical foundation, we drew up detailed plans, selected the most suitable contractors and closely monitored the entire implementation process.

Our approach combines technical precision with operational reliability. Heylen was guaranteed a return for twenty years, making the payback period predictable and ensuring that all operational risks remained minimised. Thanks to this intensive support, all projects were not only technically sound but also economically viable and future-proof.

The world’s most powerful solar roof and 78 MW of renewable energy

The partnership resulted in a series of exceptionally high-performing projects. The most striking: at the VE Commerce Campus in Venlo, Heylen Warehouses and Encon jointly realised the world’s most powerful solar roof.

With 12.6 hectares of solar panels (roughly 20 football pitches) and a capacity of 18 megawatts peak on a single roof surface, this installation produces enough green energy to supply 4,500 households with electricity each year.

But the story doesn’t end there. The additional seven installations in Belgium and the Netherlands together generate a further 60 MWp. This total portfolio of 78 MW makes Heylen Warehouses a pioneer in energy-positive logistics.