Sustainable joining of forces: Mammoet tests Hacon Solar Containers
The industry is under pressure to become more sustainable, including when it comes to containers at sites. Mammoet, a global player in heavy transport, was looking for a partner to reduce the energy consumption of its containers. The company found that partner in Hacon Container Modifications.
Until recently, Mammoet's containers ran on diesel generators that were used to meet the local power needs of accommodation containers and facilities. There is a great opportunity to do things differently! We can reduce our ecological footprint with sustainable alternatives. So it's time for a more efficient and greener alternative.
The solution: 20ft High Cube Solar Containers
At Hacon, we have over 40 years of experience in container solutions. From our modification division, Hacon Container Modifications B.V. in Europoort-Rotterdam, we build customized solutions every day that meet the practical needs of our customers. For Mammoet, our 20ft High Cube Solar containers proved to be the step towards a greener future.
These containers have an integrated lowered roof with twelve solar panels. The energy from these solar panels is linked to a scalable battery storage system and an electrical installation. This allows a container, whether it is a workshop, office, or storage space, to operate completely independently, without relying on generators or grid connections. A unique and highly efficient off-grid solution.
Challenges and further development
A standard product rarely fits within HCM's customization philosophy. That is why our specialist Luke set to work developing multiple system variants. In collaboration with our suppliers, Victron and MG, two optimized installation types were created: one at 230 volts for lighter applications such as small workshop and storage containers, and one at 380 volts for projects with higher energy requirements such as large(r) workshop, office, or break room containers.
In close consultation with Mammoet, the installations were tested in a pilot phase on their own premises, with two linked Solar containers monitored under realistic conditions. This hands-on approach yielded valuable insights, which were immediately translated into improvements in the standard models.
“Hacon has been a reliable partner for quite some time. During our research into measures to reduce the fuel consumption of mobile accommodations, we deliberately sought dialogue with them. The company has proven to be flexible and customer-oriented, with an eye for solutions that meet our needs,” says Mammoet.
Two Solar models as a basis
The collaboration between Mammoet and HCM ultimately resulted in two market-ready models. The first is the 20ft Casco Solar: a basic module with PV panels, battery pack, and electrical installation. This container can be configured entirely as desired, making it ideal for customers with specific requirements in terms of workshop layout, chemical storage, or technical installations.
The second model is the 20ft Solar Accommodation container: a fully equipped container with insulation, windows, steel hatches, an access door, and air conditioning in the front behind the container doors. This container is ideal as a temporary consultation room, office, or sleeping quarters at locations where there is no (or not yet) a mains connection. Both models are designed and built with sustainability, safety, and ease of use in mind.
Mammoet's vision
For Mammoet, the Solar containers are more than a one-off experiment. The company sees this technology as the key to structural CO₂ reduction within their temporary accommodation. They are also looking into the possibility of making existing containers more sustainable through a solar retrofit, which will further minimize the ecological impact of the equipment. The collaboration with Hacon is therefore seen as a strategic partnership in which technical innovation goes hand in hand with pragmatic feasibility.
“Together with Hacon, we are exploring the possibilities of equipping our existing accommodation containers with solutions developed for the Hacon Solar containers. This research is still in an exploratory phase,” says Mammoet.
Want to save diesel, reduce emissions, and increase flexibility at your construction or project site? Discover what Hacon Energy can do for your organization. We are happy to help you find customized solutions for autonomous energy supply.