Bekaert’s largest campus in China powers up with 30MWp rooftop solar installation

Bekaert proudly announces the completion of a 30MWp rooftop solar project on the grounds of its campus in Jiangyin, China. The installation will produce over 30 million kWh of green electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 17,500 tons per year. This marks a major milestone in Bekaert’s sustainability strategy, Creating a Better Tomorrow and a significant step in progressing the ambition to reach Carbon Net Zero.

As Bekaert's earliest and largest production base in China, the Jiangyin campus has been actively exploring efficient and sustainable manufacturing. The campus was awarded the title of “National and Jiangsu Provincial sustainable plant” at the end of 2023, and is now adding a new 30MWp solar panel project to its sustainable practices.

The solar project - jointly built by Bekaert, Fortune Power and Ganghua Energy Group - makes full use of the plant rooftop and parking lot roofs in the Jiangyin campus and was connected to the grid on 11 October 2024. The total area of solar panels reaches more than 200,000 m² with a total installed capacity of 30 megawatts, leading to carbon dioxide emissions reductions equivalent to the annual carbon sequestration capacity of about 36 km² of forest. Simultaneously with the solar panel project, Bekaert installed charging stations for EVs on the Jiangyin campus as well, to promote employees’ green commuting.

The project is a crucial lever in Bekaert’s road to become Carbon Net Zero. Additionally, it’s a great example of the actions Bekaert takes to protect the planet not only by focusing on reducing energy consumption but also exploring renewable energy sources.

Ann-Françoise Versele, VP Sustainability at Bekaert stated: “Protecting the planet is not an empty promise for Bekaert, quite the contrary. We are continuously investing in increasing the share of renewable energy to do our part to create a better tomorrow. In 2023, no less than 39% of our total energy came from renewable energy sources, and I am proud that we will be now powering our largest Chinese site with renewable energy as well.”

Focusing on reducing energy use and investing in renewable energy

Bekaert has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, with numerous projects worldwide aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.  Over the last years, the company signed virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in the USA and Romania and PPAs in India. These agreements help to secure large amounts of fossil-free electricity and support the development of new additional renewable resources at the same time.

When it comes to renewable power generation, Bekaert applied both the track of solar panels and wind energy. The company started its wind and solar road map in 2011, by installing wind turbines on the Zwevegem site in Belgium. In 2020, a solar farm was inaugurated in Aalter, Belgium, with the on-site solar farm on Spanish soil following only three years after. Currently, additional windmill and solar possibilities are being identified in Europe.  Bekaert remains committed to sustainability, focusing on efficient energy use and increasing renewable energy across global sites, while contributing to a net-zero future with innovative sustainable solutions.