17-04-2026

Sustainable innovation accelerates expansion of Out-of-Home network

The Hague, 17 April 2026 – PostNL installs parcel lockers powered entirely by solar energy in the coming period, marking a first in the Netherlands. This innovation makes it possible to place parcel lockers at locations without a grid connection and in areas where grid congestion makes expansion challenging. The lockers are fully self-sufficient, providing greater flexibility in placement and a faster rollout of the parcel locker network.

Placement without grid connection opens up new locations

The first five lockers will be installed in Friesland at locations where the new technology offers a solution, including Leeuwarden, Drachten and on the island of Terschelling. Harm Schokker, Deputy Director Out-of-Home at PostNL: “With these lockers, we remove our dependence on the electricity grid. We no longer have to wait for a connection, which in practice can sometimes take months. This allows us to expand more quickly, particularly in locations where this was previously difficult or even impossible.”

PostNL previously tested solar-powered parcel lockers and has further developed the technology in recent years. The new generation consumes less energy and stores the energy generated via a battery, ensuring reliable operation at night, during winter and in periods with limited sunlight. As a fixed mains connection is no longer required, waiting times and permitting procedures for laying cables are eliminated.

PostNL will continue to expand the number of solar-powered parcel lockers to additional locations in the coming period.

Source: PostNL