ZF opens “zero-emission factory” in Czech Republic
A key aspect of these “zero-emission factories” is not only supplying the plants with clean electricity but ideally with self-generated electricity. In Klášterec, a total of around 3,400 solar modules on the roofs and on a green area next to the hall complex generate PV electricity. This covers around 20 per cent of the plant’s annual electricity requirements. All of the purchased electricity comes from renewable sources – mainly wind and hydroelectric power.
“Klášterec is our benchmark,” emphasizes Dhanashree Kad, responsible for sustainability in the ZF Electrified Powertrain Technology division. In 2025, five years earlier than initially planned, ZF will cover the needs of all its locations completely with green electricity via supply contracts with renewable energy providers.
The heating system at the Czech e-mobility plant will also operate without fossil fuels: Heat pumps replace the previous gas heating system and reduce the original heating costs by 50 per cent, according to ZF. In the winter months, the Klášterec plant uses the natural ambient cold to air-condition the plant facilities. “Various measures for improved thermal insulation and heat recovery round off this local climate concept,” the company wrote.
With the “zero-emission factories”, ZF aims to achieve its goal of being climate-neutral across all value chains by 2040. In addition to the energy supply, these factories are characterized by greater energy efficiency in processes, the electrification of a significant proportion of products and the use of recycled materials.
The ZF location in Klášterec has been in operation since 1992. 700 employees produce power electronics components at the Czech plant around one hundred kilometres northwest of Prague, which are installed in electric motors at ZF plants in Germany and Serbia.
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