Photovoltaic System for Eisenach Plant Goes Online: Opel Drives Green Transformation of its Sites

• Solar energy for the plant: Opel striving for climate-neutral production
• Sustainable production: PV system supplies 19 million kWh of electricity annually
• Future Headquarters in Rüsselsheim: Carbon-neutral grEEn-campus project started

Opel site in Eisenach is becoming more sustainable: On its way to carbon-neutral production, the plant in Thuringia is receiving green electricity from a new photovoltaic system from now on. With an installed capacity of almost 20 megawatt peak (MWp) and an annual electricity production of 19 million kilowatt hours (kWh), the system enables a direct, sustainable energy supply to the plant in Eisenach.

“At Opel, we are not only reducing our emissions footprint with cars like the Opel Grandland Electric from Eisenach. At Opel and Stellantis, we also have the goal of converting our production sites in a climate-friendly way. A green energy supply plays an important role in this. That is why I am very pleased that our Eisenach plant will also be powered by solar power from today on. The new photovoltaic system reduces CO2 emissions by more than 5,600 tons per year,” said Florian Huettl, CEO Opel & Vauxhall and Managing Director Stellantis Germany.

The 212,500 square metre photovoltaic system consists of almost 32,300 solar modules. It is located within the boundaries of Eisenach's neighbouring municipality of Krauthausen and was built within five months under the direction of Athos Solar. “The extremely complex drilling method for laying the more than seven-kilometre-long power line from Krauthausen to the Opel plant, which is gentle on nature and roads, was carried out by regional companies,” said Ralf Weidenhammer, Managing Director of Athos Solar GmbH. “With the inauguration of the Krauthausen solar park, Opel Eisenach and Athos Solar GmbH are sending a strong signal for the energy transition and sustainable industry.”

The cooperation between Opel and Athos Solar is carried out via a so-called Direct Wire PPA (Power Purchase Agreement). This model provides Opel with a long-term, calculable and climate-friendly source of electricity and at the same time relieves the burden on the public power grid.

grEEn-campus in Rüsselsheim: Preparations for sustainable company Headquarters

A major step towards climate neutrality is currently being taken with the grEEn-campus in Rüsselsheim. The construction site for the future headquarters of Opel and the German headquarters of Stellantis is currently being prepared. In the coming months, state-of-the-art and efficient offices and workplaces will be built there for employees from administration, design, research & development and sales. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place this September.

The focus of the planning is on sustainability. For example, the electricity requirements of the office buildings are covered by a photovoltaic system integrated into a green roof. This does not only support biodiversity but also creates a pleasant microclimate and contributes to cooling the buildings. Stellantis is also implementing similar projects in France and Italy.

Combined values for Opel Grandland Electric according to WLTP 1: energy consumption 17.0-17.6 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class: A.

[1] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.