A new photovoltaic system with a capacity of 379.47 kWp has been commissioned at the KHS production plant in Worms, Germany. The system consists of 834 solar modules and is designed to generate around 342,000 kWh of electricity per year. According to the company, this will cover a significant share of the plant's energy demand in a way described as climate neutral. The project is implemented in a cooperative model by MaGeno-Solar eG, a cooperative formed by active and retired KHS employees. This solution has already been introduced at the KHS plants in Dortmund and Bad Kreuznach, and the installation in Worms continues its rollout across the group.
The MaGeno-Solar eG cooperative fully finances the photovoltaic installations from its own funds. KHS leases the PV panels on a long-term basis and uses the generated electricity directly in production processes. This structure is intended to stabilize the plant's energy costs while enabling the cooperative to refinance its investment through lease payments and distribute profits to its members. As emphasized by Bernd Molitor, chairman of MaGeno-Solar eG, the installation in Worms is a consistent further development of a proven model of employee involvement in energy projects.
"With Worms, we’re consistently further promoting this tried-and-tested model," says Bernd Molitor, chairman of MaGeno-Solar eG. "Our members show that the energy revolution and personnel commitment go hand in hand at KHS. We’re assuming responsibility, for our company, for the climate and for future generations."
Emission reduction and group climate targets
According to KHS, the new photovoltaic system in Worms will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 236 metric tons per year. The plant thus makes a significant contribution to the climate strategy of the entire group. By 2028, KHS Group plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions at all of its production facilities by approximately 36%. Together with its parent company Salzgitter AG, the turnkey supplier states that it is aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest.
Cooperation with MaGeno-Solar eG is intended to illustrate that sustainability activities at KHS are an element of operational practice rather than just a corporate objective. For its engagement, the MaGeno-Solar eG cooperative recently received the GenoAward from Genoverband, Germany's association of cooperatives. The jury particularly highlighted the community-based nature of the initiative and its role model function for corporate energy transition projects.
Worms plant as a competence center
Within KHS, the Worms plant serves as the competence center for palletizing technology. It employs around 250 people and is responsible for the design and manufacture of solutions in this field. The introduction of the photovoltaic system is intended to increase the energy independence of the site and gradually reduce the share of energy from conventional sources.
Plant manager Dr. Mohamed Astitouh describes the new installation as a further step towards a more sustainable and more independent production setup. He stresses that in the chosen approach, economic performance and climate protection are to be addressed together. Similar projects, based on the experience gained in Dortmund, Bad Kreuznach and Worms, are to be implemented in the future at all other national and international KHS production sites.
834 modules with a total capacity of 379.47 kWp generate around 342,000 kWh of electricity a year, making a major contribution to the sustainable supply of energy at the KHS plant in Worms, Germany.
