On the way to zero net emissions

The photovoltaic system of GK Grünenfelder has been in operation for one year. Since then, the Swiss vehicle manufacturer has produced almost as much electricity itself as it has consumed.

Exactly one year ago, the photovoltaic system on the factory building 2 in Kriessern went into operation. Thanks to the past record summer, expectations for the mini power plant were far exceeded: in 2022, GK Grünenfelder produced 205 megawatt hours (MWh), almost exactly as much electricity as it consumed (206 MWh).

However, the degree of self-sufficiency still varies greatly: while twice as much electricity was produced as consumed in July, the degree of self-sufficiency in December was only 20 percent. But: This year, the Swiss vehicle manufacturer is likely to further increase its energy independence, as the company also started up with a geothermal probe heating system a few months ago.

“It is our ecological commitment to hand over a healthy company in an intact environment to the next generation. We therefore continuously strive to embed sustainability in our company,” says Albert Grünenfelder, Group Manager of GK Grünenfelder.

GK is aware: There is truly still a way to go – and yet the investments made so far are a first step towards energy self-sufficiency.

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