Tennet and Siemens rely on recycling transformers

24.07.2024

Tennet and Siemens Energy have signed an agreement to reduce their carbon footprint. The aim is to significantly reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas.

With the signing of the agreement on July 24 at the Nuremberg transformer plant, the two energy companies have set themselves the goal of reducing CO2 emissions in their value chain by 30 percent by 2030. They are focusing on innovative technologies, decarbonizing production processes and recycling the materials used.

A first milestone in the partnership is the production of transformers made from 100 percent recycled copper. Siemens Energy intends to produce all future transformers for Tennet with green copper with immediate effect. By 2030, Tennet expects to have around 52 transformers, each containing 72 tons of recycled copper. This should significantly reduce CO2 emissions during grid expansion. As the companies have calculated, emissions of 100 tons of CO2 can be avoided per transformer.

Tim Meyerjürgens, COO of Tennet, said at the signing ceremony: "This partnership with Siemens Energy is an important step towards a more sustainable future. Together we can gradually exploit the potential of the circular economy and develop a more climate-neutral product range. This expansion of the product portfolio is urgently needed to meet the high demand on the market for technical components."

Becoming more attractive for green investments
CFO Arina Freitag emphasized: "By working closely with our suppliers and partners, we can drive innovation and efficiency in the energy sector. This partnership also strengthens our commitment to green finance and makes Tennet more attractive for investments in green bonds." According to them, the investment portfolio amounts to 160 billion euros over the next ten years, of which around 60 percent is in Germany and around 40 percent in the Netherlands.

Tim Holt, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens Energy: "In the global race against climate change, our efforts to expand the grids must be accompanied by determined efforts to decarbonize these grids. Today's signing is another important step in the fight against climate change."

In addition to transformers, electricity grid operators need many other technical components to expand their grids, such as steel pylons, aluminum conductors and underground cables with copper cores. By 2045, around 12,000 kilometers of grid expansion and 73 new substations are planned for a climate-neutral grid in Tennet's transmission grid alone. A further 16 substations need to be modernized.

Author: Günter Drewnitzky
Source: Energy & Management Powernews