How Swietelsky Rail Benelux Broadens Its Horizon Towards Energy Transition

Swietelsky Rail Benelux has distinguished itself from other railway construction companies for years through its innovative way of working. Following in the footsteps of its Austrian parent company, the Benelux branch is increasingly focusing on sustainability and energy projects. But in the Swietelsky way, says CEO Niek Lentink. “We do not want to grow in revenue, but in diversity. That makes us more attractive to technical staff.”

Our Next Step: Leveraging Expertise for the Energy Transition

“We are definitely not the first here,” Niek begins. “It is a logical step for our company at this moment.” He refers to the first projects that Swietelsky Rail Benelux is executing outside of the railway sector. “The railway is already a very sustainable form of mobility, with a large electrical infrastructure. We have the knowledge and people in-house to apply that expertise outside of the railway and thus contribute to the energy transition and the emergence of new energy solutions. And that is exactly what we are doing. But in our own way.”

Step-by-Step Growth Towards Sustainable Mobility

He sees many similarities with Swietelsky's arrival in the Benelux about fifteen years ago. “We started then as a railway contractor in a small part of the market. Subsequently, we received more and more recognition and have grown into a full-service contractor in the railway zone. With beautiful projects like the Maaslijn, Maasvlakte, and Heerlen-Landgraaf in our portfolio. In addition to maintenance work, we are entering the market of railway renewal and realization. The next, actually logical step, is that we grow into a full-service contractor in sustainable mobility. It suits us to first focus on niche projects in the energy market. Projects that fit us and that we can currently handle.” This has already led to the first successes.

“We can carry out this type of work all over Europe”

First Projects Outside the Railway: Battery Storage as an Example

“E-contracts are often large, and we simply do not have the manpower for that. At the same time, we do have the knowledge and skills from TEV, Traction Energy Supply, and train security. Simply put: if we can build and commission a substation for ProRail, we can also execute similar projects outside the railway.” One of the first projects was the installation of a battery for a data center at Schiphol, an example of how we contribute to battery storage for the energy transition. “In such projects, we focus on large, both mobile and stationary, batteries. The smallest battery, the size of a sea container, can store 1 MWh. We install them up to 5 MWh. In this time of grid congestion, these technical solutions help balance the energy network. We take care of a battery supplier from A to Z: we install the battery, connect it, and commission it.”

Smart Grid Connections: Solutions for Grid Congestion

But Swietelsky also fully relieves the client in the groundwork. “Our sister company Hamer Infra prepares the subsoil for construction, pours the foundation, and takes care of everything: from fencing, light poles to camera systems.” An additional advantage for our technicians is that the work is mainly during the day and on weekdays. “An advantage for the client is that we are an international company. Therefore, we can carry out this type of project all over Europe. We obviously make use of the knowledge of our parent company, which is building a hydropower plant with pumped storage of 260 MW for the Kühtai 2 project in Tyrol.” As the next step, Niek sees Swietelsky executing the fault and maintenance services for these clients. “This way, we are constantly looking for smart connections.”

“If you are a technician looking for something different, don’t overlook us!”

Collaborating on Sustainable Energy in Urban Areas

Swietelsky is doing the same with other upcoming projects. “For example, we are working on smart solutions for grid operators that contribute to stable energy supplies during times of grid congestion. At the same time, we see that the municipal market is struggling with the task of the energy transition. Especially in large cities, there is high demand and no space. Here too, we apply our knowledge from the European market and look for innovative ideas for transformer rooms.” Niek sees this exploration as an interaction. “We have something to offer, but certainly something to gain. It is not about conquering the market for us. We want to help with the energy transition. Clients and potential employees do not yet quickly think of Swietelsky in this regard. While for me, it feels almost organic to seek each other out.” The new work not only broadens Swietelsky's horizon; it also makes the company more attractive to technicians who want to contribute to the energy transition and new energy solutions.

Working on Sustainable Technology: More Opportunities for Technicians

“We hope that by expanding our activities, we will become attractive to a broader group. There is scarcity in the market: not only in terms of energy but also in personnel.” In recent years, more and more people have found their way to Swietelsky. “Our first thirty employees all came from the railway sector. When we hit a hundred, there were already some people without railway experience among them. Now that we are approaching two hundred, colleagues come from all sectors. So I say: if you are a technician looking for something different, don’t overlook us!” He sees a beautiful cross-pollination in this. “I simplify it a bit now, but roughly: if you know how to install a charging station at a gas station, you also understand how it works for a substation. In the coming years, you can get involved with us on many fronts. The railway is a patchwork of systems that will be replaced in the coming years by ERTMS; the new European standard for train security. This aligns nicely with the energy transition. Additionally, our machinery is increasingly shifting towards electric. In short: the railway is booming.”

Our Route to Sustainable Mobility Solutions

For Niek, this is definitely not the final destination. “It is a beautiful route that we are taking. With the same startup mentality that we started with in the Netherlands in the railway sector, we will continue with this. We know what we are good at and what we still need to be a partner in sustainable mobility solutions.”

Do You Want to Contribute to the Energy Transition with Your Technical Knowledge?

At Swietelsky Rail Benelux, we are working on the sustainable mobility of tomorrow. From battery storage projects to smart energy solutions: we are looking for technicians who dare to look beyond their specialization. Are you ready to make an impact in a dynamic, international team? Then check out our vacancies and discover how you can contribute to the future of sustainable infrastructure.