Solar systems expected to generate over 2 GWh of emission-free electricity annually; new photovoltaic installations part of Skoda’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality at its Czech plants by the end of the decade.
02 Nov 2023 | 1601 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
Skoda Auto is paving the way for carbon-neutral production at its Czech plants by the end of the decade. In cooperation with Cez Esco and Sko-Energo, the car manufacturer has commissioned three rooftop photovoltaic systems at its main plant in Mlada Boleslav and the Skoda Parts Center logistics hub.
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Skoda Auto is paving the way for carbon-neutral production at its Czech plants by the end of the decade. In cooperation with Cez Esco and Sko-Energo, the car manufacturer has commissioned three rooftop photovoltaic systems at its main plant in Mlada Boleslav and the Skoda Parts Center logistics hub.
Covering an area of over 10,000 square metres, equivalent to more than 15 tennis courts, the new solar power plant is expected to generate more than 2 GWh of emission-free electricity annually with its more than 5,400 photovoltaic modules. This energy output could fully charge approximately 25,000 Enyaq 85 cars.
Škoda Auto Board Member for Production and Logistics, Andreas Dick, said: “At Skoda Auto, we are continuously evaluating and working to reduce our carbon footprint. As part of our Next Level – Skoda Strategy 2030, ‘Green Production’ is a central pillar of our roadmap through this decade of transformation and our ambitious sustainability efforts. Tackling this challenge holistically with our partners, we regard this power plant as crucial to achieving our ambitious yet attainable goal: to power vehicle and component production entirely using carbon-neutral energy at our Czech plants by 2030.”
Collaboration with Cez Esco and Sko-Energo
The first cooperation among Skoda, Cez Esco and energy supplier Sko-Energo on solar systems started in late 2019. The solar modules at the Škoda Auto Service Center in Kosmonosy are installed over an area of roughly 2,200 square metres and generate more than 450 MWh annually, covering almost 17% of the Service Center’s energy needs.
In February 2021, Škoda Auto entered into an extended partnership with the two companies with the goal of building a solar power plant comprising 5,468 cutting-edge photovoltaic modules in total: 3,020 panels on the Škoda Parts Center, 1,328 panels on the U6C hall and 1,120 panels on the M12L hall. These modules will provide a nominal output of 2,146 kilowatt-peak (kWp).
Skoda’s solar success at Aurangabad and Pune plants in India
Škoda Auto is advancing the production of sustainable energy across its plants internationally. In India, the photovoltaic system at the Aurangabad plant has been connected to the grid since 2018. Generating more than 1,440 MWh in the past year alone, it has cut the plant’s reliance on purchased energy by 40%.
A rooftop solar power plant at the Chakan plant in Pune was expanded in February 2023. With a peak performance of 18.5 MWp, it is now capable of producing up to 26,600 MWh of electricity annually, covering up to 30% of the site’s electricity consumption. The power plant effectively offsets over 28% of CO2 emissions from the facility’s yearly vehicle production.