Dutch operator KPN commits to 24/7 Carbon Free Energy

KPN has officially signed the UN Compact 24/7 Carbon Free Energy (CFE) initiative. This commitment marks a significant step towards the operator’s goal of using only renewable electricity every hour of the day and achieving Net Zero by 2040. The company has already reduced its energy consumption by 43% since 2010 and is directly sourcing power from Eneco’s solar park. From 2027, KPN will also source energy from a wind park.

Strategic importance of renewable energy

Wouter Stammeijer, Chief Operating Officer and Board member at KPN, explained that reducing and greening network energy consumption is central to the company’s strategy. He emphasized that KPN’s investments in solar, wind, modern battery systems, and certification schemes are crucial to achieving sustainability goals, maintaining competitiveness, and complying with future regulations. These efforts underline KPN’s role as a leading green telecom operator in the Netherlands and worldwide.

Already achieving full compensation

Since 2011, KPN has purchased certificates to compensate 100% of its annual energy consumption. The next step is sourcing electricity from renewable sources every hour, further accelerating the energy transition in collaboration with Eneco.

Expanding Carbon Free Energy to 60%

Currently, the Kabeljauwbeek solar park supplies 10% of KPN’s energy consumption with zero emissions. Starting January 1, 2027, the Ecowende wind park will provide 50% of KPN’s consumption. Together, these initiatives will raise KPN’s CFE score to 60%, a major milestone in its sustainability journey.

Collaborating for sustainable electricity exchange

KPN, Google, and Eneco recently launched a pilot to exchange renewable electricity. By sharing surpluses and deficits between solar and wind parks, the companies aim to increase the hours powered by clean energy. If successful, this could significantly improve KPN’s CFE score.

Driving broader industry initiatives

KPN is also co-initiator of the 24/7 Carbon Free Energy project under the Platform Energie Bewustzijn. This initiative brings together companies, grid operators, and NGOs to overcome barriers to 100% hourly renewable energy in the Netherlands, including granular certification systems.

UN Compact 24/7 highlights

The UN Compact 24/7 CFE, managed by Sustainable Energy for All, encourages participants to ensure that every hour’s electricity comes from renewable sources. Other signatories include Google, Microsoft, Stanford University, Mitsubishi, SAP, and Engie. KPN’s participation underscores its leadership in global corporate sustainability.