Mercedes-Benz is the first major industrial company to source electricity from German wind farms, whose subsidies as per the Renewable Energy Act.
Mercedes-Benz Cars and Statkraft, together taking the first step on the road to realizing CO2-neutral energy supply of the German plants. Statkraft is Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy and an important player in energy trading. As the leading PPA provider, the group brings together electricity producers and companies from trade and industry throughout Europe and develops new concepts that offer added value to both sides. In Germany, Statkraft is the market leader in managing renewable assets on behalf of third parties with a total portfolio of 10,000 MW.
Contribution to energy transition
The power purchase agreement enables Mercedes-Benz Cars to source electricity directly from wind farms in Germany, whose subsidies from the Renewable Energy Act expire after 2020. In doing so, Mercedes-Benz Cars ensures the economical operation of existing windmills, which can continue to contribute to achieving the climate goals in Germany as a result. The power purchase agreement is thus an important contribution to the German energy transition.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board of Management Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain said, “At Mercedes-Benz Cars Operations, we are pursuing the strategy digital, flexible and green in our global production organization. This also includes that we will supply all our German plants with CO2-neutral energy by 2022. As the first industrial company in Germany, we are using electricity from six wind farms and thereby ensure their continued operation already today. In doing so, we are taking an important step in realizing our CO2-neutral production operations and are underscoring our social responsibility.”
Dr. Carsten Poppinga, Managing Director of Statkraft in Germany said, “The cooperation with innovative companies such as Daimler, Enovos and wind power pioneers like the community-owned wind farms allows us to advance the market integration of renewable energies in Germany and Europe. This agreement underlines our leading position in Europe in the direct supply of industrial customers with power from non-subsidised renewable assets. Operation without subsidies is often possible when market-oriented action, targeted marketing, and efficient plant operations come together.”
