Sustainable energy at holiday parks: opportunities and challenges
Holiday parks are the perfect setting where sustainability and energy efficiency come together. Park operators want to lower operational costs, comply with environmental regulations, and meet growing guest demand for eco-friendly accommodation.
Sustainable energy plays a key role in this. But what options do holiday parks have, what benefits can they expect, and what challenges need to be overcome?
Why Sustainable Energy Matters for Holiday Parks
Energy consumption at holiday parks is high — from heating bungalows and lighting pathways to warming swimming pools and charging electric vehicles.
At the same time, guests increasingly expect that their holiday will not come at the expense of the environment.
By investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage, holiday parks can not only save on costs but also significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.
This aligns with national climate goals and the ESG standards that larger leisure groups are increasingly required to meet.
Sustainable Energy Solutions for Holiday Parks
1. Solar Panels on Roofs and Fields
Solar panels are often the first step toward sustainability. Large areas of roofs — or even dedicated solar fields — can generate substantial renewable power for the park.
2. Heat Pumps and Low-Temperature Heating
Many chalets and lodges are still heated with gas. Replacing these with heat pumps and low-temperature heating systems makes energy use much more sustainable. Heat pumps can be installed per building or integrated into a collective system.
3. Energy Storage and Batteries
On sunny days, parks often produce more power than they use. By adding battery storage or large-scale energy storage systems, excess electricity can be stored and used later. This helps to balance peak demand and reduces dependence on feed-in tariffs.
Read also: Grid Congestion at Holiday Parks
4. Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles
The demand for charging stations is rapidly increasing. By combining smart charging infrastructure with on-site renewable energy generation, holiday parks can meet guest needs while reducing the load on the local grid.
Read also: Charging Electric Vehicles at Holiday Parks
5. Smart Energy Management
With an Energy Management System (EMS), park operators gain real-time insight into both consumption and generation. This enables them to manage energy flows intelligently, detect inefficiencies, and automatically adjust systems based on cost or sustainability priorities.
Read also: Energy Management System for Holiday Parks
Financial Benefits of Sustainable Energy
Although sustainable investments can require significant upfront costs, the long-term benefits are clear:
Lower energy costs:
Self-generation reduces dependence on external energy suppliers.
Subsidies and incentives:
National programs such as ISDE, SDE++, and EIA allow holiday parks to recover part of their investment.
Higher occupancy rates:
Guests are increasingly drawn to environmentally responsible destinations.
Future readiness:
Parks that act now will stay ahead of tightening environmental regulations.
Challenges and Considerations
Implementing sustainable energy also brings challenges:
- Grid congestion – In some regions, the electricity grid is already overloaded, making expansion or feed-in difficult.
- Investment costs – The initial costs can be high, and payback periods vary per technology.
- Complexity – Integrating solar, heating, and storage systems requires careful coordination and monitoring.
- Guest awareness – True energy savings are only achieved if guests also contribute, for example by using appliances responsibly or limiting hot water use.
Real-World Examples
Across the Netherlands, more and more holiday parks are transitioning to renewable energy. Some have installed large solar fields, others use heat pumps to heat swimming pools, and several have added battery systems to reduce peak loads.
Many parks also invest in sustainable mobility, offering electric rental cars or shared e-bikes.
These practical examples show that sustainability is not only good for the environment but also a strong marketing advantage — helping parks position themselves as green and future-oriented.
The Future: Sustainable Energy as the Standard
In the coming years, sustainable energy will become the norm for holiday parks. This shift is driven both by government regulation and growing consumer demand.
Smart technologies such as EMS platforms, connected batteries, and smart charging stations ensure that energy is used efficiently.
Parks that invest today are building not just toward lower costs, but also toward a stronger competitive position and a more sustainable future.
Sustainable Energy at Holiday Parks: A Smart Choice
Sustainable energy at holiday parks is no longer a trend — it’s a necessity. With solutions like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries, and smart energy management, parks can reduce emissions, save on energy costs, and enhance their guest experience.
The combination of financial incentives, environmental benefits, and market demand makes investing in renewable energy a clear step toward a greener, more profitable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Sustainable Energy at Holiday Parks
What renewable energy sources are most suitable for holiday parks?
Solar panels, heat pumps, and batteries are the most common — especially when combined with an EMS for optimal performance.
Is sustainable energy financially viable for smaller holiday parks?
Yes. By using subsidies and smaller-scale solutions such as rooftop solar panels, smaller parks can also make the transition to sustainability.
How can holiday parks deal with grid congestion?
By using batteries and smart energy management to store excess power and use it locally.
What’s in it for guests?
Guests enjoy comfort while seeing that the park is environmentally responsible — plus, they benefit from EV charging and other green facilities.
What is the average payback period for sustainable energy investments?
This varies by technology and park size but typically ranges between 6 and 12 years, depending on subsidies and energy prices.