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KHS sets an example for sustainability

With the commissioning of a new photovoltaic system, KHS in Bad Kreuznach is setting an example for sustainability. The project was made possible by employee cooperative shares. Further sites are to follow.

With the commissioning of a new photovoltaic system, KHS in Bad Kreuznach is setting an example for sustainability. The project was made possible by employee cooperative shares. Further sites are to follow.

KHS has put a new photovoltaic system with an output of 460 kilowatt peak (kWp) into operation at its Bad Kreuznach production site. The realisation of the system was largely made possible by the commitment of active and former employees, who subscribed additional shares worth 200,000 euros via the MaGeno-Solar eG cooperative. With the new system, the manufacturer of filling and packaging technology aims to generate around 437,000 kilowatt hours of solar power per year and thus significantly reduce its CO₂ emissions.

The idea for the project arose from a pilot project realised at the headquarters in Dortmund in 2023. The cooperative, which now consists of around 190 active and former employees, had also financed a PV system there. It has now been possible to build on this experience in Bad Kreuznach.

„We want to do something for climate protection ourselves and at the same time support our employer in the realisation of such projects,“ explains Bernd Molitor, Chairman of MaGeno-Solar eG and former long-time KHS employee himself.

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(Photo: KHS)

Sustainability as a strategic goal

The photovoltaic system is part of the Group-wide sustainability strategy. KHS is aiming to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by around 36 per cent by 2028. The parent company Salzgitter AG has set itself the goal of achieving CO₂-neutral operations by 2045 at the latest. The plant in Bad Kreuznach contributes directly to these targets. KHS leases the PV system from the cooperative and uses the electricity generated for its own needs at the site - at a fixed price below the market value. The cooperative in turn refinances its investment through the leasing income and can distribute dividends to its members.

„The model is a win-win situation for both sides,“ says KHS. It not only reduces energy costs, but also strengthens employees' sense of responsibility and creates direct participation opportunities.

Future projects in planning

The new solar plant is located on the roof of a production hall for bottling technology. Further projects based on this model are already planned: A similar system is also to be built at the KHS site in Worms. The long-term vision is to implement photovoltaic solutions at all national and international sites.

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