More energy efficiency with photovoltaic systems
In April 2021 the first photovoltaic system was commissioned on the roof of the Xella production plant in Atella, Italy and covers now 60 to 65 percent of the energy needs of the production plant. More systems are coming in 2022.
27 July, 2021
In spring 2021, the first photovoltaic system was commissioned on the roof of the Xella production plant in Atella, Italy, covering an area of approximately 5,000 square meters. The system, with a peak power of 500 kWp, enables significant energy and CO2 savings (estimated at 900 tons per year) and covers 60 to 65 per cent of the energy needs of the production plant.
This is an important contribution to the further reduction of CO2 emissions of the entire Xella Group: by 2030, we are seeking to reduce the intensity of our CO2 emissions by 30 percent. Our business model offers us various options for contributing to the decarbonization of the construction and renovation sector: in our production by increasing energy efficiency, in our products so that carbon emissions from buildings are reduced during the usage stage, and in our supply chain as a buyer of raw materials.
In doing so, we keep a constant eye on the latest technological development so that we can consider additional technological opportunities for reducing our carbon emissions.
First photovoltaic system in operation in Atella
Italy is a good example of this, and Atella is just the beginning. Since July 2019, when the plant became part of the Xella Group, there has been permanent investment in the optimization and technologies. Investments in Atella have already led to a significant improvement in the energy recovery system in the last two years, including a 35 % reduction in CO2 emissions and a huge improvement in wastewater recovery. Maurizio Menozzi, plant manager Xella Italia: “We also want to install a photovoltaic system at the Pontenure plant, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.”
Other countries will follow, as stated by Andreas van Briel, CTO Market Area & Head of Group Plant Engineering & Technology: “In addition to developing energy-efficient products, we are also always looking for energy improvements that lead to less impact on the environment and the consumption of natural resources. The photovoltaic plant in Atella is the starting signal for further photovoltaic projects. Other countries are already developing similar projects.”
More plants in 2022
Photovoltaic systems are also to be installed at Ursa plants in the coming months. Results of a pilot project at the El Pla de Santa Maria plant in Spain are expected in the coming weeks. The aim is to gradually equip plants here with photovoltaic systems from 2022 onwards.
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