Lightsource Expands into the Netherlands

Lightsource Renewable Energy, the largest developer and operator of utility scale solar in Europe with 2GW under management, today announces its expansion into the Netherlands. This follows the company’s recent strategic international growth in setting up operations in North America and Asia earlier this year.

Founded in 2010, Lightsource is a global leader in utility solar power deployment and asset lifecycle services, with seven offices in three continents. The company’s proven track-record for world-class large scale development is well known within the solar industry, having delivered numerous award-winning projects that are recognised as pioneering, innovative and best-in-class.

Nick Boyle, Global CEO of Lightsource, comments:

“The Dutch solar market is an exciting new growth opportunity for Lightsource. The Netherlands has committed to supplying 14% of its energy mix from renewables by 2020, and with our extensive expertise, Lightsource is ideally placed to assist in the delivery of this target. Our financing and track-record, alongside our experienced local Dutch management team who will lead the business, puts us in the perfect position.  We are incredibly excited to have Mark Straver lead our ambition and we look forward to delivering growth and expansion within the sector.”

The Netherlands team will be tasked to drive the company’s deployment of utility scale solar power into the local energy market. The team’s focus will be on providing an end-to-end solution, from planning and development to lifecycle services covering Asset Management and Operations and Maintenance (O&M). Lightsource aims to lead the market in customised, cost-effective solar energy solutions for utilities, municipalities, cooperatives and large commercial customers.

Relevant to the Dutch market is our expertise in utility-scale floating solar. In 2016, Lightsource successfully developed and connected Europe’s largest deep-water floating solar installation on London’s Queen Elizabeth II reservoir, demonstrating the company’s ability to finance and execute ambitious renewable energy projects both on land and on water.

Mark Straver, Business Development Manager for Lightsource Netherlands, said:

“I was born and raised in the Netherlands. Having worked in the local solar industry for 10 years, it is good to see that the Dutch government is showing strong support to our sector. This support is essential for a sustainable future and we are excited to part of movement to ensure that, like our European counterparts, the Netherlands reaches its renewable energy targets. Solar can be deployed more quickly and with much less impact to the landscape than other technologies. We have worked extensively with local communities and councils for every site we built. Their feedback, priorities and requests are dear to us and we are doing everything we can in order to meet these expectations.  I am proud to be using Lightsource’s significant expertise to bring large-scale solar home to the Netherlands.”