KAESER focuses on sustainability: With photovoltaic power and an E-HGV on the road to greenhouse gas neutrality

At a time when the responsible use of finite resources is becoming ever more important, KAESER is making a strong statement in favour of sustainability and efficiency at its headquarters in Germany. The direct connection of a new photovoltaic park close by and the use of a fully electric HGV for logistics make a significant contribution to the energy transition. Read our blog post to find out how we are moving a step closer to our goal of greenhouse gas neutrality.

 

KAESER has always focused on making its products and services energy-efficient, dependable and sustainable. The use of green electricity is therefore nothing new to the company. What is new, however, is the way in which eco-friendly energy is finding its way into our production halls: via a photovoltaic system operated by the citizens’ energy cooperative Bürgerenergiegenossenschaft Coburger Land (BEG).

 

Just a stone’s throw from our company premises, the cooperative PV park guarantees the supply of green electricity from directly within the region. This provides a number of advantages: It enables local citizens to invest collectively in renewable energy, thereby strengthening the local energy supply, driving expansion, and increasing their independence. The use of local resources also helps to strengthen both the regional economy and job creation. The BEG helps to raise awareness of renewable energy and increase public acceptance of it.

 

The new photovoltaic park has an installed electrical power of 5,574 megawatts peak (MWp). That roughly equates to the supply for around 1,400 households. The system is approx. 560 times larger than the average PV installation on the roof of a house. As a complement to the existing photovoltaic systems, the park is directly connected to KAESER’s 20-kV network. This enables seamless integration and use of emission-free solar energy. Taking all photovoltaic systems at the main plant into account, in total around 2,500 tonnes of CO₂ are saved annually.

 

This unique collaboration between an energy cooperative and an industrial company serves as a pioneering example of how businesses and citizens can work together successfully across city and district boundaries to further advance the energy transition. 

 

A further key step towards CO₂ neutrality is the continuous expansion of electromobility. Driven by our conviction and belief in innovation and progress, we are gradually converting our vehicle fleet to locally emission-free drive systems. The next milestone? The use of a fully electric HGV from DB Schenker. This logistics company has proven to be a strong and innovative partner for KAESER in the field of sustainability. 

The E-HGV is being used to transport supplies between the Coburg and Gera sites. 

 

The 40-tonner from IVECO can complete the 400-kilometre round trip without intermediate charging. This is made possible by a high-performance battery system consisting of nine 82-kWh batteries with a total capacity of 738 kWh. Thanks to a fast-charging capability of up to 350 kW, the HGV can recharge up to 80 percent of its battery in just 90 minutes. 

 

And there’s yet more: In collaboration with DB Schenker and Contargo Combitrac GmbH, our container traffic is gradually being electrified as well. Already two fully electric container shuttles are in operation between Coburg and the container terminal at Hof. From here, the containers are moved by rail to the port and from there shipped out across the globe. In addition, a smaller E-HGV is in the pipeline for site traffic on KAESER company premises. 

 

To support the ever-increasing electrification of our vehicle fleet, KAESER is continuously expanding its charging capacity. In this connection, construction of a charging park is currently being planned. Going forwards, the aim is to create quick-charging facilities for cars and HGVs that will serve the entire region. A clear commitment to both electromobility and to the Coburg site.