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➤ Key Highlights

  • Logistics real estate is emerging as a platform for energy innovation — not just supply chain support, according to a Prologis white paper.

  • Historically, sites were chosen for proximity to ports, highways and labor pools, but today, energy readiness is equally critical.Companies are increasingly seeking facilities with on-site generation, microgrids and advanced energy management systems to maintain uptime, control costs and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

  • Partnerships among landlords, tenants and utilities are creating flexible regional energy ecosystems, strengthening grids and ensuring continuity.

  • Prologis has introduced a distributed energy model, investing in solar, storage and on-site generation while tenants access power through energy service agreements.

  • Leased distribution centers often face challenges investing in energy infrastructure when payback periods exceed lease terms.

  • Shared generation solutions, like community solar, provide renewable energy and flexible backup for multi-tenant or rooftop-limited sites.

  • Data centers are among the most energy-intensive users today, often requiring 50 MW or more per site, far beyond typical industrial parks.

Logistics real estate is increasingly viewed as a platform for energy innovation, not just supply chain support. Site selection is now influenced as much by energy readiness as by proximity to transportation and labor. Companies are adopting on-site energy solutions and forming partnerships to enhance energy resilience.

The lens emphasizes how logistics infrastructure strategy is shifting to incorporate energy adaptability as a foundational planning criterion. Decision-makers are now evaluating assets based on their ability to support advanced energy solutions alongside traditional logistics needs. This shift reflects a broader approach to infrastructure where resilience and flexibility in energy supply are essential for long-term operational viability. Energy adaptability is becoming integral to the value proposition of logistics assets.

⚠️ Why it matters

For CRE professionals, the growing focus on energy adaptability changes the framework for developing, underwriting, and operating logistics facilities. Infrastructure planning now requires deep consideration of energy systems, which impacts construction timelines, investment models, and tenant attraction. The ability to deliver resilient, energy-ready facilities is emerging as a key differentiator in an evolving market landscape.

TAKEAWAY

Logistics stakeholders may continue to prioritize facilities that offer robust and flexible energy infrastructure. Future development strategies could increasingly integrate distributed generation, storage, and renewable solutions to meet tenant expectations. As energy adaptability becomes standard, collaboration between landlords, tenants, and utilities is likely to shape new models for logistics infrastructure planning.

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