H.Essers prepares for electrification with an energy management ecosystem to support resilient logistics
Genk, 12/06/2025 – H.Essers is taking targeted steps to accelerate the energy transition in the transport and logistics sector. Given that electrification is expected to become a critical issue in the future, H.Essers is proactively preparing for this transition, with the Synchro Grid as its forward-looking solution. With a smart, asset-based strategy and a strong focus on innovation, the company is launching the H.Essers Synchro Grid, an adaptive energy management ecosystem that addresses today’s energy challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Responding to urgent energy challenges
The transition to sustainable energy brings several urgent challenges. Charging infrastructure is not scaling fast enough, energy costs are increasingly volatile, and the ambitions within Europe and the logistics sector to decarbonize are here to stay. At the same time, fleet renewal is closely tied to developments by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and entails considerable cost investments for the carriers. Meanwhile, the variable output of wind and solar power creates imbalances in the grid, and the overall electrification of society is straining grid capacity.
Addressing these issues requires integrated solutions that combine smart energy management, logistics expertise, and close collaboration across sectors.
System player in the energy transition
H.Essers plays a pivotal role as both a major consumer and producer of energy. Through intelligent energy utilization, the company has developed a comprehensive toolkit for smart energy management, ranging from e-trucks and charging infrastructure to solar panels, wind turbines, warehouses, battery storage, and both internal and external grid balancing systems.
“We believe that the logistics sector has a responsibility. That’s why we’re investing in smart, flexible energy solutions that allow us to operate more efficiently and sustainably,” says Gert Bervoets, CEO of H.Essers.
At the core of this strategy is smart energy management, which helps balance supply and demand, enhances operational efficiency, and strengthens the resilience of energy usage within logistics operations.
From pilot projects to scalable systems
In their e-hub, innovations are tested in day-to-day operations through proof-of-concept projects. These pilots provide critical insights that builds a base for wider deployment. As technologies mature, such as MW-charging, bi-directional charging, and longer-range electric vehicles. H.Essers is prepared to extend its strategy across multiple sites and into international logistics flows.
A future-ready ecosystem
H.Essers continues to invest in knowledge development, experimentation, and collaboration with sector partners, academic institutions, and energy providers. This approach supports the gradual transformation of standalone initiatives into a fully integrated, adaptive ecosystem for sustainable logistics.
On top of the sustainable strategy of the logistics group H.Essers, Essers Family Office (EFO) also plays a crucial role in driving sustainability. EFO takes participations in innovative companies, also in the field of the energy transition, such as Extrapower. These partnerships are reinforcing the group’s commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term impact.
“Electrification is not just a technical evolution, it’s a strategic shift. By combining our operational expertise with smart energy management, we’re turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities,” Bervoets concludes.
About H.Essers
H.Essers was founded in 1928 by Henri Essers and has since become one of the leading companies in Europe for logistics services for sectors such as chemicals and healthcare. In recent years, the company has experienced solid expansion thanks to organic growth and a number of strategic acquisitions. In 2024, H.Essers booked an annual turnover of over one billion euros. The company currently has more than 1,300,000 m² of warehouse space, a fleet of 1.497 trucks, 4.159 trailers, 774 Safeboxes and 1.968 ISO tanks. Over 50% of this fleet is multimodal. More than 7.500 people work at H.Essers, in 86 locations and 21 countries worldwide.
Contact
Bob Van Steenweghen
Senior Manager Corporate Affairs
+32 476 52 21 89
bovs@essers.com