Lisbon, March 16, 2026 – Helexia, a French multinational company of the Voltalia Group and an international player in the energy transition, is optimizing the energy performance of LEROY MERLIN’s largest National Distribution Center (NDC) in Portugal, located in Castanheira do Ribatejo. This is being achieved through an integrated solar generation and electric mobility project that is already delivering significant environmental and economic results.
“The results achieved at this major logistics center demonstrate the potential of solar self-consumption, electric mobility, and, soon, energy storage, when integrated into a structured energy strategy. We are talking about substantial clean energy generation, meaningful emissions reduction, and infrastructure that is future-ready, including energy storage and grid services,” says Luis Pinho, Country Director of Helexia Portugal. “At Helexia, we aim to be a strategic partner for companies on their decarbonization journey, bringing innovation, investment, and a long-term vision to accelerate the energy transition in Portugal,” he adds.
“The results achieved at this major logistics center demonstrate the potential of solar self-consumption, electric mobility, and, soon, energy storage, when integrated into a structured energy strategy. We are talking about substantial clean energy generation, meaningful emissions reduction, and infrastructure that is future-ready, including energy storage and grid services,”
Luis Pinho, Country Director of Helexia Portugal
This view is shared by José Miranda, Supply Chain and Delivery Leader at LEROY MERLIN Portugal: “The transformation of our logistics chain inevitably involves more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. This project demonstrates how energy innovation can be integrated into the core of logistics operations, reducing emissions and enhancing the efficiency of our National Distribution Center.”
“The transformation of our logistics chain inevitably involves more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. This project demonstrates how energy innovation can be integrated into the core of logistics operations, reducing emissions and enhancing the efficiency of our National Distribution Center.
José Miranda, Supply Chain and Delivery Leader at LEROY MERLIN Portugal
With an installed capacity of 1,284 kWp, spread across 2,334 photovoltaic modules covering an area of 6,185 m², the solar plant at the NDC represents a Helexia investment with a 15-year horizon. Estimated annual production reaches 1,827 MWh, avoiding approximately 822 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year — equivalent to the average annual consumption of 365 households. This self-consumption system directly contributes to reducing the energy dependency of the logistics infrastructure while reinforcing LEROY MERLIN’s commitment to more efficient and sustainable operations.
To support logistics operations, Helexia has installed 12 dual standard charging stations (AC) and two dual 50 kW fast charging stations (DC). This infrastructure enables simultaneous charging of up to 28 vehicles, supporting last-mile transport operations as well as employees and visitors. This investment in electric mobility is part of a broader strategy to decarbonize operations and promote more sustainable transport solutions.
A solar battery system with a capacity of 1.8 MWh is also planned. This system will store excess renewable energy and provide grid services, increasing the overall efficiency of the installation while enhancing its energy flexibility.
The NDC project is part of a broader collaboration between Helexia and LEROY MERLIN in Portugal. To date, Helexia has developed solar self-consumption projects across 13 stores, totaling an installed capacity of 4.27 MWp. These systems have already generated more than 24 GWh of clean energy, delivering savings exceeding 700K€ on energy bills. In electric mobility, Helexia is currently present at 14 LEROY MERLIN locations, providing a total of 88 charging points.
