The Opel site in Eisenach is set to become greener: To bring the goal of CO2-neutral production a little closer, a photovoltaic system is now connected to the grid.
The installation has an installed capacity of almost 20 megawatt-peak (MWp) and an annual electricity production of 19 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), enabling a direct, sustainable energy supply for the plant.
Reduce carbon footprint
According to Florian Huettl, CEO of Opel & Vauxhall and Managing Director of Stellantis Germany, the company intends to reduce its emissions footprint not only with vehicles, but at Opel and Stellantis it also has the goal of retrofit the production
sites to be climate-friendly.
"A green energy supply plays an important role. Therefore I am very pleased that our Eisenach plant will, from today, also be powered by solar power," says Huettl, and adds: "The new photovoltaic system reduces CO2 emissions by more than 5,600 tonnes per year."
Solar Park Krauthausen
The photovoltaic system covers 212,500 square meters and consists of nearly 32,300 solar modules. It is located on the territory of Krauthausen, Eisenach's neighboring municipality, and was completed by Athos Solar within five months.
To lay the more than seven-kilometer-long power line from Krauthausen to the Opel plant, according to Ralf Weidenhammer,
managing director of Athos Solar GmbH, a very elaborate drilling method was chosen that should spare nature and roads. This was carried out by regional companies.
"With the inauguration of the Krauthausen Solar Park, Opel Eisenach and Athos Solar GmbH are sending a strong signal for the energy transition and a sustainable industry," emphasizes Weidenhammer.
Through a so-called Direct Wire PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) between Opel and Athos Solar, a long-term, calculable and climate-friendly power source is to be made available and relieve the public power grid, it is said.
Sustainable corporate headquarters
Additionally, with the Green Campus in Rüsselsheim, another step toward
climate neutrality is to be taken. The construction site for the future headquarters of Opel and Stellantis' Germany headquarters is currently being prepared. In the coming months, offices and workplaces for employees from administration, design, research & development, as well as sales, are to be established. Groundbreaking is planned for September 2025.
The electricity demand of the office buildings is to be met by photovoltaic systems integrated into a green roof. This is intended to contribute to biodiversity, create a pleasant microclimate, and also serve to cool the building. Stellantis is implementing similar projects in France and Italy as well, according to the
