Together, Eneco and Uni-Invest wish to increase sustainability of office buildings

Rotterdam, January 11, 2010 - Uni-Invest, owner and lessor of some 240 office buildings in the Netherlands, will make the roofs of its buildings available for installing solar panels. A declaration of intent to that effect was signed by Uni-Invest and Eneco. A unique aspect is that Eneco – provided that SDE* subsidy for installing solar panels is granted by the government – will make the investment in the solar panels that will be installed on suitable roofs. This way, both companies intend to contribute to improving the sustainability of office buildings in the Netherlands.

Market leader

As the Dutch market leader in the area of solar power systems, Eneco wants to meet the needs of its customers. “An increasing number of Dutch companies recognise the possibilities of using solar energy for their buildings. There is sufficient roof top space in the Netherlands to utilise the solar energy potential. Internationally, however, the Netherlands lags behind, even though there is much demand for solar panels from the business sector”, says Peter Paul Weeda, Business Manager Solar at Eneco.

Jack Bakker, CEO of Uni-Invest:”Uni-Invest specifically aims to breathe new life into the existing real estate portfolio. Extended use of well renovated buildings genuinely increases the sustainability. This also includes reducing CO2 emissions by using solar energy.”

SDE subsidy scheme

To be able to invest, it is necessary that SDE* subsidy is granted for the projects proposed by Eneco. It is expected that the government will reinstate this subsidy scheme during the course of 2010. When the subsidy is granted, Eneco will invest in the solar panels and supply the generated solar power to Uni-Invest for the next 15 years. For more information (in Dutch) see www.eneco.nl/zonnestroom.

* SDE=Stimuleringsregeling Duurzame Energieproductie (Sustainable Energy Production Incentive Scheme)