The technology and family-owned company Heraeus is taking an important step toward sustainability and energy independence in cooperation with the city of Hanau. Heraeus plans to build a large photovoltaic system on former farmland on Rodenbacher Weg. This reflects Heraeus' commitment to making green energy a pillar of its site development in Hanau. The Hanau Municipal Council and the City Council have approved the lease agreement and the development plan for the open space on Rodenbacher Weg. With their signatures, Hanau's Lord Mayor Claus Kaminsky and Mayor Maximilian Bieri sealed the partnership together with Jan Rinnert, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of Heraeus Group.
"I expressly support the exemplary actions of Heraeus, a company with a long tradition in Hanau. The ecological commitment at the site fits in very well, as the city is taking many steps toward climate neutrality. From an economic point of view, the project is also a perfect fit, as the open space on former farmland is not suitable for either residential or commercial development," said Claus Kaminsky, Mayor of Hanau.
Heraeus began installing photovoltaic systems on all suitable roofs at its Hanau site last year. Together with the new ground-mounted system on Rodenbacher Weg, these will generate around nine gigawatt hours of solar power per year starting in 2025. This corresponds to about one-fifth of the site's total electricity consumption in 2023. The electricity generated will be fed directly into the Heraeus site and used there.
The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. "I am pleased that the Group has committed to an overarching Group-wide goal to reduce its own CO2 emissions by 2030 in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C in accordance with the Paris Agreement," said Jan Rinnert, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management of the Heraeus Group. "The PV systems at our Hanau site and around the world are making an important contribution."
The lease agreement covers approximately seven hectares of land directly adjacent to the Heraeus site. The land is owned by the City of Hanau and is located in a water conservation area, which means it can only be used for green space or photovoltaic systems. Initial work has already begun, including clearing, compensatory measures and necessary deconstruction. Tree and hedge planting and the creation of flowering meadows will ensure that the local flora and fauna are preserved. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2024.
Heraeus serves numerous industries with its products and operates innovative production processes at the Hanau site. The refining and recycling of precious metals is particularly energy-intensive. André Christl, CEO of Heraeus Precious Metals, adds: "The photovoltaic system makes a significant contribution to reducing our emissions and thus achieving our sustainability goals. At the same time, we can significantly reduce our electricity costs."
The planning and realization of the project were carried out in close coordination with the authorities and the city of Hanau in order to ensure efficient and environmentally conscious use of the area. This co-operation reflects the shared vision and commitment of both parties to create future-proof and sustainable energy options.
