Hydro starts battery and solar rooftop operations at aluminium plant in Germany
Aluminium and renewable energy company Hydro takes another step towards decarbonizing its aluminium plants by beginning local, onsite solar energy production and energy efficiency measures in Germany. The first systems in Offenburg have been completed and recently began interim operations.
In addition to Offenburg, Hydro’s two plants in Rackwitz and Uphusen, Germany are installing solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftops and battery storage, aimed at switching to locally produced energy.
“We are continuously reducing our own emissions and these installations are an efficient way to introduce locally produced, renewable energy. In order to meet the growing demands from customers for products with lower footprint and to further contribute to local societies where we operate, we need to accelerate our efforts. With the deployment of solar panels and battery storage systems, we are confident that we are progressing in the right direction,” says Jacques Podszun, Vice President of the Germany, Austria and Switzerland region in Hydro Extrusions.
The plants will install rooftop solar panels with a combined annual production of 854 MWh, in addition to 1,500 kW battery packs, which can help smooth the consumption curve during high load hours and save costs.
The project started in 2023, and with the first solar PV and battery storage system in operation, the concept has proven successful. The remaining systems will be completed and put into operation by early 2025. The project is led and delivered by Hydro Rein, a joint venture between Hydro and Macquarie, specializing in renewable energy generation.
“Our goal is to make industries more profitable and sustainable, as self-production and flexibility behind the meter can compete on costs compared to market and grid costs. We are proud to deliver services to Hydro’s plants in Germany and to help accelerate their journey towards zero emissions. This project is both cutting energy costs and reducing the carbon footprint, while increasing flexibility through onsite production and energy storage,” says Marianne Wergeland Jenssen, Head of Energy Solutions in Hydro Rein.
