More energy efficiency with photovoltaic: How to cover an AAC plant’s energy needs up to 65 percent

In spring 2021, the first photovoltaic system was commissioned on the roof of the Xella production plant in Atella, Italy, covering an area of approximately 5,000 square meters. The system, with a peak power of 500 kWp, enables significant energy and CO₂ savings (estimated at 900 tons per year). This is an important contribution to the further reduction of CO₂ emissions of the entire Xella Group. By 2030 the company is seeking to reduce the intensity of our CO₂ emissions by 30 percent. Xella's business model offers various opportunities to contribute to the decarbonization of the construction and renovation sector: whether in production by increasing energy efficiency or via the products themselves, so that the carbon emissions of buildings are reduced in the use phase, and last but not least of course, also within the supply chain, making a low CO₂ footprint a priority for Xella as a buyer of raw materials.

First photovoltaic system in operation in Atella

Italy starts as a forerunner, and Atella is just the beginning. Since July 2019, when the plant became part of the Xella Group, there has been permanent investment in the optimization and technologies. Investments in Atella have already led to a significant improvement in the energy recovery system in the last two years, including a 35 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions and a huge improvement in wastewater recovery. Maurizio Menozzi, plant manager Xella Italia: “We also want to install a photovoltaic system at the Pontenure plant, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.” 

Other countries will follow, as stated by Andreas van Briel, CTO Market Area & Head of Group Plant Engineering & Technology: “In addition to developing energy-efficient products, we are also always looking for energy improvements that lead to less impact on the environment and the consumption of natural resources. The photovoltaic plant in Atella is the starting signal for further photovoltaic projects. Other countries are already developing similar projects.”