Full of energy

Charged - that’s how you could describe the situation for companies in terms of climate protection and decarbonization. “Switching to alternative energies is becoming increasingly important so that companies can remain competitive,” explains Jan Krümmel, Head of Electrical and Automation Engineering. “At the same time, we have to act economically and efficiently.”

It is therefore necessary and practical for us to tackle the challenges with an “Energy Team” made up of various departments.

Energy law is dynamic and complex, changes frequently and includes both national and European requirements relating to climate protection, grid charges, electricity tax and much more. In order to comply with the law and not risk unnecessary costs or sanctions, companies must always keep up-to-date. That requires close cooperation between various departments such as Purchasing, Controlling, Legal Affairs and Sustainability.

The tasks for the team are clear: “We need to make our relevant processes more energy-efficient, use resources optimally, switch from fossil fuels to renewable energies, yet reduce costs and CO₂ emissions.”

To stay up-to-date, KWS in Germany is a member of several groups and associations at the local and national level, such as the Climate Protection Group under the auspices of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. “Becoming a member isn’t easy, but the dialog is very important for us to discuss current topics and best practices with other companies,” says Malte Bährens, Head of Supply Engineering.

Circularity: Biogas from agriculture

In Germany alone, KWS is implementing many measures, such as converting its entire energy supply to biomethane starting in 2027. Biomethane is a climate-friendly energy source that can be fed into the natural gas grid. The special thing about that is that there is a genuine cycle. KWS’ agricultural companies supply a substantial share of the substrates for the biogas plant in Einbeck, which will supply us with biomethane in the future. In this way, we will use our own agricultural produce to generate green energy.

Our seed production must be secure – everyone at KWS would likely subscribe to that. Supply security and energy efficiency go hand in hand, as became clear in the planning for Machine Hall 6 in Einbeck. “With a lot of creativity and detailed coordination, we developed a system that allows us to reuse the energy in our exhaust air in the form of heat,” says Malte. The facilities now recover more than 30 percent of the heat energy required – equivalent to what is needed for around 40 detached homes per year. The system is now also in use in Machine Hall 4, and additional conversion measures are being planned.

There are other ongoing projects: We are investigating the potential for using waste heat in the vicinity of various locations, for example from neighboring industry, biogas plants or sewage treatment plants. Once that has been implemented, it will enable us to eliminate the need for almost all the fuel required to generate heat there.

Even projects that seem small at first glance can make a big contribution. “We’re gradually converting all conventional lighting to LEDs,” says Wolfgang Klose, Head of Cross-Technical Function. “They’re 1.4 times more efficient than fluorescent tubes.” Smart controls such as daylight-dependent illuminance further reduce electricity consumption.

The team is continuously working to identify further potential and drive expansion of renewable energies. As part of that, we are setting store by various technologies such as wind power, geothermal energy and photovoltaics. The latter is already in use at several locations. “Careful planning is essential for renewable energies, as the energy generated must either be used directly or stored in order to ensure an optimal supply,” explains Björn Schuchhardt, Manager Energy Management.

Photovoltaics (PV) is an important component of our energy supply, but it is not enough on its own to cover our high and seasonally fluctuating energy requirements. A combination of PV systems and other renewable energy sources offers us the flexibility we need.

At the international level, the team advises colleagues at all locations on issues relating to energy efficiency. In order to achieve our CO₂ targets, it also draws up energy concepts in coordination with Sustainability Management. Next on the list: a charging infrastructure for France, as the delivery vehicles there are being converted to e-models.

Climate protection and energy efficiency are only possible in tandem: “Each and every one of us should make a contribution so that we are well positioned moving ahead.” |