Koehler Paper and Badische Stahlwerke have launched a feasibility study for wind energy in the Rhine port of Kehl
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- Feasibility study launched for wind energy in the Rhine port of Kehl
- Energy-intensive paper and steel industries want to supply their own energy from renewable resources
- Climate goals of national and regional governments targeted
Koehler Paper and Badische Stahlwerke (BSW), a steel producer, have teamed up with the Rhine port of Kehl to study the feasibility of harvesting wind energy at the port facilities. They hope to find out if building wind turbines is a feasible solution to suppling their own energy at the companies' sites in Kehl.
Energy cost in Germany have risen drastically in the last two years – a huge challenge for energy intensive companies like Koehler Paper and Badische Stahlwerke, especially given the intense international competition faced by both companies. At the same time, both companies need to source a significant quantity of electricity from renewables to meet the climate goals of the German national government and the government of the state of Baden-Württemberg, as well as the self-imposed climate goals of the companies themselves.
To meet these challenges head on, the two companies have launched a joint feasibility study for wind energy in cooperation with the Port of Kehl Administration. The objective of the study is to find out whether a wind power plant can be constructed at the facilities of the Rhine port of Kehl to supply the operational energy required by the two companies. Koehler Renewable Energy and Ökostromgruppe Freiburg, a green-energy company, will provide support for the project.
Wind measurements set to start in June
A species protection assessment and an environmental impact study have already been commissioned. Wind measurements are now scheduled to start in June. The feasibility study also includes an analysis of noise emissions and economic viability. The feasibility study is scheduled to last through the summer of 2025, and should indicate whether the site is suitable for wind turbines. If the results are positive, Ökostromgruppe Freiburg and Koehler Renewable Energy expect to submit an application for the construction of a wind power plant by the end of 2025. The number of planned wind turbines and the precise sites will have been specified by that time.
An important step toward security of supply and climate-neutral production
"As an electric steel plant on the road to climate neutrality, we depend on a sufficient supply of green energy at competitive prices," says Andreas Volkert, one of the managing directors at Badische Stahlwerke. "So I'm very excited about the project we've undertaken with Koehler Paper and the Port of Kehl Administration. If constructing a wind power plant at the Rhine port of Kehl proves feasible, it would be an important step toward securing our energy supply and toward CO2-neutral steel production."
Dr. Stefan Karrer, COO of the Koehler Group, had the following to add: "If the results of the feasibility study are positive and we are able to construct a wind energy plant at the facilities of the Rhine port of Kehl, it would mean huge progress in the effort to supply our own energy needs. This is one of the most urgent topics for a company with energy-intensive production processes such as ours. How can we secure our energy supply over the long-term and thus guarantee the economic viability of the site? Securing our sites and protecting jobs in Germany for years to come is our driving concern here."
This is also an important issue for Wolfram Britz, mayor of the city of Kehl. He was brought on board at an early stage and has provided support for the feasibility study: "CO2-neutral companies in the Rhine port of Kehl, energy independence and job security will not only benefit the residents of our city but those of the neighboring communities as well. That's why communication with the neighboring communities in France and the city of Strasbourg is so important. The Rhine port of Kehl has functioned as the central transshipment port for the business hub of Baden for almost 125 years. It spans an area of 320 hectares and accommodates numerous international businesses such as Koehler Paper and Badische Stahlwerke.
Best regards
Alexander M. Stöckle Corporate Director Marketing & Communications Press Spokesperson
Koehler Holding SE & Co. KG
Tel: +49 7802 81-4749 Fax: +49 7802 81-5749 mailto:alexander.stoeckle@koehler.com