SPIES Packaging and JUWI open Gesmold solar park
Solar power from the ten-megawatt Gesmold solar park will be supplied by direct line to the plant of injection-molded plastic packaging manufacturer SPIES Packaging. With this project, SPIES is sending a strong signal for a climate-friendly energy supply in the industrial sector. SPIES will cover more than 20 percent of its annual electricity requirements with the electricity it produces itself.
“The Gesmold solar park is another important milestone in our company history, the impact of which extends far beyond the boundaries of our company. With this investment in renewable energies, we are sending a strong signal for a climate-friendly and sustainable future of industrial production. It is important to us not only to talk about sustainability, but also to take concrete action. By using green electricity directly for our production, we are significantly reducing our carbon footprint and at the same time strengthening our competitiveness, security of supply and location security. This is a decisive step on our path to climate neutrality at the Gesmold site.” Christof Spies (CEO SPIES)
Exactly 18,284 modules have been installed on an area of ten hectares on both sides of the A30 highway since construction began in March 2024. They will produce around ten million kilowatt hours of clean electricity per year, which corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of a good 2,857* households. In this case, however, the electricity will mainly be used by SPIES, one of the largest manufacturing companies in Melle. Around 70 to 80 percent of the electricity flows into the plant via a direct line and is used there by the packaging manufacturer for production. The additional quantities produced are fed into the public power grid and can be used as green electricity for the region.
The Rhineland-Palatinate-based company JUWI developed the solar park from its branch in Hanover. Contact with SPIES was then established as part of the public construction management process. After JUWI constructed the solar park last month, the company will now also be responsible for the technical management of the plant.
“The project is a prime example of how companies can not only achieve their sustainability goals with solar and wind power, but also rely on a long-term, reliable and cost-effective form of supply. The fact that the electricity from the Gesmold solar park is not only used on the balance sheet, but also physically by SPIES directly, is groundbreaking for Germany as an industrial location and another one for JUWI,
highlight in the cooperation with industrial customers,” explains JUWI CEO Carsten Bovenschen.
The solar park will enable SPIES to significantly reduce its ecological footprint. The company has set itself the goal of achieving climate-neutral (Scope 1 and 2) production at its Gesmold site. To achieve this, SPIES is also investing in a variety of different energy efficiency measures, such as the ongoing modernization of ventilation, lighting and compressed air systems and the continuous renewal and optimization of production lines. Combined in an established energy management system, all these measures are monitored, controlled and optimized by a team of experts at SPIES.
The Gesmold solar park is also set to become a flagship project in terms of species conservation. After commissioning, the area in the solar park will be transformed into extensive grassland using local seeds, allowing flora and fauna to develop well. Flower strips on the site and wild hedges around the site will provide additional habitat. A so-called “Blänke” will be created for the breeding pairs of lapwings spotted on the site. This is a large depression in the terrain that is temporarily filled with water, especially in spring, and serves as a feeding habitat for the lapwing. In addition, a meadow orchard covering an area of around one hectare will be created as a compensatory measure.
About SPIES Packaging
SPIES Packaging is a renowned family business in the plastics processing industry that is characterized by innovation, quality and sustainability. As one of the leading manufacturers of injection-molded plastic packaging, SPIES offers tailor-made solutions for a wide range of industries. With over 420 dedicated employees and a clear commitment to the Melle region, SPIES is not only an important employer, but also an active part of the local economy and community. The company attaches great importance to reconciling economic success and social responsibility, which is clearly demonstrated by initiatives such as the Gesmold solar park. With its many years of experience and striving for continuous improvement, SPIES sets standards in the industry and at the same time contributes to the well-being of the region.
www.spies-packaging.com