Lenzing – The Lenzing Group, a world-leading provider of wood-based specialty fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, and VERBUND, Austria’s leading energy transition company, are celebrating today’s launch of the first development stage of the largest ground-mounted photovoltaic system in Upper Austria. Together with its energy partner VERBUND, Lenzing is also paving the way for the transition to zero-emission mobility. The installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at the company’s premises underlines Lenzing’s commitment to the energy transition process.

• Largest ground-mounted photovoltaic system in Upper Austria becomes operational

Thanks to the ground-mounted photovoltaic system at the “Ofenloch” landfill site, Lenzing, in conjunction with VERBUND, is consistently moving forward on the path to a carbon-free energy supply and has commissioned the first half of the new photovoltaic system with a peak power of 2,780 kWp. Full commissioning of the system with a peak power of 5,560 kWp is envisaged in mid-October. Annual electricity production will amount to 6,000,000 kWh, which is expected to cut CO2 emissions by some 4,400 tonnes per year. The Austrian pioneer in fiber production already commissioned three rooftop photovoltaic systems in spring/summer of 2022, with a peak power of 1,454 kWp and annual electricity production of some 1,508,000 kWh. The electricity flows directly into the company’s on-site production and will also power electric charging stations in future. In the first development stage, 16 wallboxes are set to be installed by the end of the year. A further 32 charging points are planned for 2023. The charging stations will be accessible to staff, visitors and the company’s own vehicle fleet.

Sustainability as a driver of innovation

Sustainability is a precondition for every new development at Lenzing. “Sustainable management forms the basis of our long-term economic success. This is why we are working with strong partners to become more independent of the turmoil on the energy market and to ensure greater planning reliability. Due to our consistent expansion in the field of photovoltaic and the transition to e-mobility, we are playing a pioneering role in Upper Austria and providing an important contribution to the region’s photovoltaic strategy for 2030,” comments Stephan Sielaff, CEO of the Lenzing Group.

“VERBUND’s photovoltaic operator model allows us to make the transition to solar power without incurring investment costs or risks. Thanks to the constant expansion in renewable energy, we remain on course to ecologize the value chain, while optimizing our carbon footprint, cutting costs and reducing the load on the grid, as we are using nearly 100 percent of photovoltaic power in our production,” explains Christian Skilich, Chief Pulp Officer of the Lenzing Group.

“We welcome this strategic partnership with Lenzing. Thanks to our electricity production, which is mainly derived from hydro, wind and solar power, we are making a key contribution to the energy and climate targets of Austria and Europe. We are also consistently investing in securing a future based on renewable energy. VERBUND invests some EUR 1 billion annually in the development of electricity production, storage and networks. But VERBUND also acts as an energy partner, supporting industrial companies with our solutions on their path to a green energy future. Because working together is the only way to manage the energy transition,” says Michael Strugl, Chairman of the Board of VERBUND.

About the Lenzing Group
The Lenzing Group stands for ecologically responsible production of specialty fibers made from the renewable raw material wood. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments.

The Lenzing Group’s high-quality fibers form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from elegant clothing to versatile denims and high-performance sports clothing. Due to their consistent high quality, their biodegradability and compostability Lenzing fibers are also highly suitable for hygiene products and agricultural applications.

The business model of the Lenzing Group goes far beyond that of a traditional fiber producer. Together with its customers and partners, Lenzing develops innovative products along the value chain, creating added value for consumers. The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilization and processing of all raw materials and offers solutions to help redirect the textile sector towards a closed-loop economy. In order to reduce the speed of global warming and to accomplish the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement and the “Green Deal” of the EU Commission, Lenzing has a clear vision: namely to make a zero-carbon future come true.

TENCEL™, VEOCEL™, LENZING™, REFIBRA™, ECOVERO™, LENZING MODAL™, LENZING VISCOSE™, MICROMODAL™ and PROMODAL™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.

About VERBUND
VERBUND is Austria’s leading energy company and one of the largest hydropower producers in Europe. The company generates around 97 percent of its electricity from renewable energies, primarily hydropower. VERBUND's electricity operations span 12 countries and the company achieved annual revenue of some EUR 4.8 billion in 2021 with a headcount of around 3,200. In collaboration with its subsidiaries and partners, activities at VERBUND range from electricity production and transport to international trade and distribution. VERBUND has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1988, with 51% of its shares owned by the Republic of Austria.

As one of Europe’s most environmentally-friendly energy companies, VERBUND makes a material contribution to supply security. It is particularly committed to climate and environmental protection, as well as resource conservation and social responsibility. Sustainability is a core component of the company’s strategy and corporate responsibility, which is stipulated in the code of conduct for sustainable corporate governance. As VERBUND works intensively on the development of renewable energy, it makes a key contribution to a low-carbon future. VERBUND is a signatory of the UN Global Compact and supports the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, including the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Further information can be found at: www.verbund.com