Greener energy contributes to net zero carbon
Working towards a group target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035, voestalpine Metsec has switched its electricity contracts to 100% renewable sources and has now embarked on a huge investment in solar panels across its site at Oldbury, West Midlands.
June 12, 2023
Together with a raft of additional environmental and energy-saving measures, these initiatives underline the company’s commitment to net zero and puts the company at the forefront of the industry when it comes to assuring the sustainability credentials of its products.
On its own, the switch to 100% renewable energy sources will see the voestalpine Metsec’s carbon footprint reduce by some 67%.
The installation of solar panels on the roofs of the company’s manufacturing facilities consists of a two-phase programme which will deliver benefits for the company, the national electricity network and the environment.
Recently completed and commissioned, the first phase has seen the installation of solar panels to the roofs of the Framing and Purlins factories. The array comprises 2223 photovoltaic panels and covers some 4446 square metres of roof space. This will generate 707,430 kWh of electricity per annum accounting for 100% of our daytime electricity needs as well as feeding 1.32 MWh of energy back to the grid, sufficient to power the equivalent of more than 200 homes each year.
Phase Two of the solar panels project, comprising 2468 photovoltaic panels and covers 4936 square metres of roof space, is due to be completed by August 2023 and will create an additional 753,270kWh/year.
In total, the solar panels are expected to provide 40% of voestalpine Metsec’s total electricity requirements when the installation is completed. They will not only reduce the company’s reliance on electricity from the National Grid but will also return unused electricity to the Grid at times when the facilities are not in operation, such as evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Currently 56% of the energy produced is being sent back to the grid.
Environmental, Safety & Training Manager, Steve Giles explains, “Achieving Group’s target for net zero carbon emissions will involve the interrogation and improvement of many areas of our business, including energy consumption and the use of renewable energy sources.
“This first phase of solar panel installation will not only reduce our reliance on electricity from the National Grid and provide us with an environmentally friendly source of energy but will actually return electricity generated out of work hours back to the Grid, for which we will receive an income.
“The financial benefits are a welcome consequence of our drive towards net zero, an industry-leading initiative which will enhance the credibility of our company and provide further assurance of the suitability of our products and services as the markets in which we operate strive towards a sustainable future.
“With a further two phases of solar panels to follow soon, these benefits are set to increase.”
