Largest rooftop installation for Goodman & BayWa r.e.

When it opened in 2017, at 235,000 sqm, Goodman’s Marl Logistics Centre set records as Goodman’s largest logistics centre in Europe at the time. Today, the same property will set another record – this time for Goodman’s largest rooftop solar PV installation globally. 

BayWa r.e is a renewable energy developer, service supplier, distributor and solutions provider. Together with Goodman, they will provide 18 MWp of solar capacity by installing more than 43.000 modules, with 6 MWp solar capacity on one roof and an additional 12 MWp solar capacity on the other. The property is being operated by METRO LOGISTICS, a German service provider for procurement, distribution and contract logistics as well as for logistics fulfilment in e-commerce. 

On completion, the energy needs of the building and METRO LOGISTICS will be prioritised with the remaining power sold to the grid. 

Marie Maggiordomo, Head of Innovation & Sustainability at Goodman CE, said: “To help customers reduce their emissions and minimise the demand on electricity grids, we continue to build our capacity to generate clean energy. Solar PV capacity is now standard across our developments, but retrofitting our existing buildings is key to achieving our sustainability goals and those of our customers. We have a huge opportunity to generate on-site renewable energy on our large rooftops, especially one the size of Goodman Marl Logistics Centre.

“Last year, we installed and committed to 78 MWp of new solar PV capacity across our global portfolio, taking us closer to our goal of 400 MWp by 2025. We’re working in close collaboration with METRO and BayWa r.e. to realise this major project, which represents a third of our target in Continental Europe this year.”  

Goodman Marl Logistics Centre has been home to the largest logistics hub of METRO LOGISTICS since 2017. 

The strategically located site reaches five million consumers within an hour's drive and supports the efficient distribution of food and non-food products from METRO and external METRO LOGISTICS customers across Germany.

Armin Koeller, CEO at METRO LOGISTICS, added: “We welcome the installation of the solar system by Goodman as this measure contributes to METRO's overall sustainability strategy, which also includes the expansion of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of METRO's own buildings. On most days, the solar installation will cover the energy requirements of METRO LOGISTICS' warehouse in Marl.”

Andrea Grotzke, Global Director of Energy Solutions at BayWa r.e, said: “Our latest cooperation with Goodman in Marl is yet another successful project that highlights our fruitful and long-standing relationship. In the past, we have already supported Goodman in delivering several large-scale rooftop solar installations in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. This year we will reach the milestone of 24 installed projects with a total capacity of 60 MWp together.

“Large industrial and commercial property groups such as Goodman are key in helping corporates to make the best use of their large roof surfaces to generate renewable power. Together, we share the same vision when it comes to a sustainable future and have our eyes already set on a number of future PV projects.”  

This large-scale solar installation is due to be completed by the end of 2023. It extends Goodman’s Marl Logistics Centre sustainability credentials having been developed on a revitalised brownfield site, close to urban infrastructure, along with its gold certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

(c) Goodman