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Harnessing green energy in real time
Since Elindus enables LCL to directly consume the green energy it generates – from its own wind turbines and solar panels – at the exact moment it is produced, the choice in 2024 for Elindus as our electricity provider was self-evident. Unlike traditional energy contracts where renewable power is fed into the grid and repurchased later, this setup ensures maximum self-consumption, reduces dependency on external suppliers, and significantly lowers costs.
“For data centers, energy sourcing is a strategic decision that impacts sustainability, resilience, and operational efficiency,” says Thomas Van Broeck, CEO of Elindus. “With LCL, we crafted a tailored solution that maximises the value of their self-produced energy while ensuring a reliable supply at competitive rates.”
Why did LCL choose Elindus as its electricity provider?
Thomas Van Broeck: “LCL has a clear objective: maximise the direct consumption of its own renewable energy. Many companies generate green energy but struggle to synchronise their production with real-time usage. We designed a solution that ensures LCL consumes its wind-generated electricity exactly at the moment it’s produced, reducing their reliance on grid power. We also understand the unique energy needs and core business of data centers: continuous uptime, predictable pricing, and long-term sustainability. LCL wanted a partner who could provide both financial predictability and a solid strategy for green energy integration.”
What makes LCL’s energy contract with Elindus unique?
“The ability to match self-generated energy with immediate consumption is rare, especially in energy-intensive industries like data centers. Many companies feed their green electricity into the grid and then repurchase it later, which involves inefficiencies and additional costs. With LCL, we structured a contract that enables ‘simultaneous consumption’: a direct use of their own wind and solar power as it’s generated. Another key element is flexibility. LCL’s energy needs fluctuate, and our setup allows them to complement their self-generated energy with additional renewable supply when required, without being locked into rigid pricing models.”
How does this impact LCL’s sustainability strategy?
“This partnership enhances LCL’s energy autonomy and sustainability impact. By directly consuming their own wind energy, LCL significantly reduces its carbon footprint and minimises its reliance on fossil-fuel-generated grid power. More broadly, this approach supports Belgium’s transition to decentralised, locally produced renewable energy. Large consumers like LCL are proving that companies can take control of their energy future while contributing to the national green energy shift.”
What are the biggest challenges in green energy procurement?
“Balancing sustainability with financial predictability. Businesses want green energy, but they also need stable pricing. Renewable energy markets fluctuate, and traditional contracts don’t always account for self-production. That’s where custom solutions like the one we designed for LCL come into play. Another challenge is infrastructure. Not every company can generate its own electricity. Data centers like LCL are in a strong position because they have the space and energy-intensive operations that make self-production viable.”
What’s next for Elindus and LCL?
“The LCL-Elindus partnership is designed for long-term collaboration. As LCL continues expanding its renewable energy capacity, we’ll support them in optimising their energy efficiency and exploring new ways to enhance their sustainability strategy. The way we produce and consume energy is evolving rapidly, and corporate energy buyers need agile partners. At Elindus, we’re focused on helping businesses like LCL gain more control over their energy sourcing, lower costs, and achieve their net-zero ambitions.”
