LENZING, Austria (News release) -- The Lenzing Group, a leading provider of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, is setting another milestone in the energy transition by expanding its photovoltaic capacities at its Lenzing site. Together with VERBUND, a new PV plant with a capacity of 1.3 megawatts peak (MWp) has been commissioned, increasing the total capacity of the PV plant park to 8.3 MWp. Lenzing is thereby investing in a stable and diversified energy supply and is also making an active contribution to the energy transition. VERBUND is accompanying Lenzing on its path to energy independence and, as a reliable partner, is providing significant support for the expansion of renewable energies.
In recent years, Lenzing has continuously invested in the expansion of renewable electricity and energy sources. In addition to its PV plant park, the company operates numerous other sustainable energy projects, including three small hydropower plants with a total output of 2.3 MW. In addition, several supply contracts have been concluded in recent years, for example with WLK energy for the purchase of around 13 MW of wind energy, and with green electricity producers Enery and Energie Steiermark to finance a photovoltaic plant with a capacity of 5.5 MWp in the district of Deutschlandsberg.
"To ensure our long-term competitiveness, we are focusing on a sustainable energy mix of biomass, photovoltaics, wind energy, and hydropower. Investments in renewable energies and production that is as energy autonomous as possible are central components of our strategy. Political support for example, through electricity price subsidies is equally essential in order to achieve our ambitious sustainability and climate goals," explains Christian Skilich, member of the Lenzing Group Executive Management.
Martin Wagner, Managing Director of VERBUND Energy4Business, emphasizes the importance of this strategic cooperation: "The partnership with Lenzing is an important step for us toward a sustainable energy future. Together, we are not only shaping energy independence of companies, but also actively contributing to the energy transition. The new photovoltaic system is further proof that we are driving forward the transformation of the energy market through cooperation. VERBUND remains a reliable partner in supporting companies such as Lenzing on their path to a more sustainable future."
Lenzing is thus also steadily moving closer to its net-zero target. Lenzing updated its climate targets for 2024 to align its commitment to climate protection with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the leading authority on climate-related target setting, reviewed and confirmed the target increase. Lenzing is the only producer of regenerated cellulose fibers with a scientifically confirmed net-zero target.
