Customer Story | Montea evolves from goods storage to future-proof energy logistics

Bnewable is supporting Montea in its transformation into a future-oriented logistics group by integrating smart battery storage and energy management into its long-term strategy. We spoke with Dirk Van Buggenhout, Chief Sustainability Officer at Montea, about their vision and the collaboration.

“Montea started 20 years ago as an expert in warehouse solutions and goods storage,” says Dirk Van Buggenhout. “Today, we are evolving towards a broader model in which we don’t just store goods, but also energy, data, and even water. Our customers are looking for solutions that are future-proof. By integrating energy storage into our sites, we reduce their operational costs and increase their independence from the grid.”

A major milestone in that strategy is the recently launched battery project at Montea’s site in Ghent, operated by logistics company DSV. The installation includes a 2.2 MW / 4.5 MWh battery system, managed by Voltana, Bnewable’s Energy Management Platform. Through this platform, energy can be intelligently managed and traded on external markets, with all data monitored in real time.

“For us, this is the first true reference project within our future-oriented logistics solutions,” Van Buggenhout explains. “It lowers energy costs for our tenants in Ghent and serves as a blueprint for other Montea locations.”

“At Montea, energy is no longer a stand-alone business case but a strategic driver for growth.”

To realize this complex energy project, Montea partnered with Bnewable as energy integrator and project manager. “They took charge of the entire process, from permit applications and contractor selection to coordination with grid operator Fluvius,” says Van Buggenhout. “As an organization with limited internal capacity, strong partnerships are essential. This was a textbook example of the way we want to collaborate.”

The Ghent project is part of a broader rollout, and Montea is also looking at expansion abroad. Germany is the next logical step: several Montea sites are already active there, and industrial demand for energy storage is high. Discussions are currently underway with Bnewable to develop a joint approach there as well.

Left: Dirk Van Buggenhout, Chief Sustainability Officer, Montea Right: 2.2 MW / 4.5 MWh BESS in Ghent