Continental has announced that it is to build its first company-owned wind farm near its tire plant in Korbach, Germany. Together with existing photovoltaic systems, the three planned wind turbines will cover around two-thirds of the tire plant’s electricity demand.
The turbines can generate around 55GWh of electricity per year – enough to supply around 15,000 households, based on average annual consumption of around 3,500kWh. Continental plans to invest a mid-double-digit million-euro amount in the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with commissioning planned for approximately a year and a half later.
Dr Bernhard Trilken, head of manufacturing and logistics in Continental’s Tires group sector, said, “Having our own wind turbines near the plant will give us more predictable energy costs and reduce our exposure to volatile energy markets – key factors for competitive tire production in Germany. This is fully aligned with our global strategy to expand our own renewable energy generation and will serve as a blueprint for other sites worldwide.”
The planned wind farm in the municipality of Twistetal will be located approximately 8km from the Korbach plant and will supply renewable electricity directly to the facility, complementing its existing energy infrastructure. The existing setup ensures continued operational reliability when wind and solar output fluctuates.
“The wind farm will bring major benefits to our location,” said Klaus Ohlwein, head of the Continental tire plant in Korbach. It will help us cover a significant share of our electricity needs in Korbach with our own renewable sources at competitive and more predictable costs. The electricity generated will be used directly in tire production, including in mixers and extruders.
“The project is an important step in our sustainability activities at the site and demonstrates how industrial competitiveness and sustainable energy use can be effectively combined in Germany.”
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