Complex in scope, fast-changing in execution, yet delivered on time and to the highest quality standards. For client PowerField, we delivered Zonnepark Boxmeer, a large solar park in the Netherlands. Our project manager Vignesh Subbaraj shares how his team navigated technical challenges and shifting demands, and why structure, expertise and teamwork made all the difference.
When Vignesh joined Ecorus in February 2024, Boxmeer was his very first assignment. And not just any project. It was the second-largest in the company’s portfolio. “I didn’t realize how big it was at first”, he says. “But as the months went by, I understood just how complex this would become. Ecorus trusted my experience and gave me the opportunity. That trust was motivating from day one.”
Unlike most Ecorus projects, Boxmeer didn’t follow the usual gate-by-gate delivery process. “Normally, there’s a clear handover from sales to the project team. In this case, all teams (Sales, Legal, Procurement and the Project team) worked simultaneously. The project team gathered technical requirements by diving into permits, creating designs, and aligning with the client and Technical Due Diligence (TDD) teams for approvals. At the same time, Sales prepared contracts and pricing and stayed in contact with the client, while Procurement coordinated with our supply partners. This is how we made progress from all angles at once.
That meant reinventing the structure during the project. “We essentially worked backwards, making sure every previous gate was completed, while already progressing to the next. We brought structure into a non-standard flow. That’s where our experience made the difference.”
At Ecorus, projects are typically delivered through a 7-phase Gate Matrix. It’s a proven process that reduces risk by clearly defining responsibilities, approvals and deliverables per phase. “Boxmeer challenged that approach. But instead of skipping steps, we used the matrix as a guiding framework. We created risk lists, documented everything, and made go or no-go decisions with the full team. That’s how we stayed in control.”
One of the biggest challenges emerged mid-project, when PowerField decided to future-proof the installation by creating the possibility to connect another park -> Sambeeksedijk. “This wasn’t part of the original plan. It required a complete redesign of the cabling and transformer configuration. We had to adapt quickly while respecting the limitations of the site, the permits, the utility company’s specifications, and the delivery time of transformers.”
The team reworked the design in record time. “Instead of changing the design at the grid station, which would have required external approval and delays, we optimised everything within the park’s zone of control. That solution was entirely driven by our engineering and tech team’s expertise.”
Ecorus’ engineers brought deep technical knowledge to the table. “Everything had to comply with NEN standards and design guidelines. At the end of the project, everything was approved through the Scope 12 inspection. And with distances up to 6.5 kilometres between components, we also had to calculate transmission losses and performance risks.”
Another key task was connecting two plots Boxmeer North and South with a 3-kilometre underground link, including a 300-metre guided drill underneath public infrastructure. “That’s where having a clear scope and strong subcontractor collaboration really pays off.”
The team’s goal was never to push agreed responsibility back to the client. “But in some cases, it was more efficient to let PowerField take the lead. For example, when there were scope and permit changes for cable drilling involving future proof requirements. We offered transparency and guidance, while allowing them to manage the design process where needed. It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing what’s right for the project.”
Despite the challenges, Vignesh looks back on Boxmeer with pride. “We built a culture where people felt safe, supported and respected. That resilience to redesign, recalculate and repeat under pressure comes from working together. Likewise, our site team stayed on top of all challenges to overcome during construction and finish the project with safety, quality and agreed timeline. A special thanks goes out to PowerField for the trust they placed in us and to the entire PowerField team who collaborated closely with us throughout the project.”
As of early May, Boxmeer entered the PAC (Provisional Acceptance Certificate) phase. This is a critical month where the park’s performance is closely monitored. “Just as we entered PAC, we had to reduce power output to 50% of DC capacity due to grid constraints. We had two days to recalculate everything, ensure system stability and meet contractual performance indicators. And we did it.”
Now in the final stages of PAC, the park is operating smoothly and moving toward full handover. “This project was never simple. But that’s where we thrive. At Ecorus, we combine structure, flexibility and deep expertise. That’s what ‘We Know How’ really means.”
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