Koehler Paper and steel producer Badische Stahlwerke (BSW) have joined forces with the Rhine port of Kehl to explore the potential of harnessing wind energy at port facilities. This initiative aims to determine the feasibility of constructing a wind power plant at the Rhine port of Kehl to meet the energy needs of the companies' operations in the region.

The feasibility study, which includes the participation of Koehler Renewable Energy and green energy company Ã-kostromgruppe Freiburg, will assess the viability of wind power as a sustainable energy source for both Koehler Paper and BSW. The study is set to continue until the summer of 2025, with a potential application for the construction of a wind power plant expected by the end of that year, should the results be favorable.

The partnership comes at a critical time, as energy costs in Germany have surged significantly over the past two years, posing substantial challenges for energy-intensive industries such as paper and steel production. Moreover, both companies are under pressure to source a significant portion of their electricity from renewable sources to comply with the climate goals set by the German government and the state of Baden-Württemberg, as well as their own corporate sustainability targets.

Andreas Volkert, managing director at Badische Stahlwerke, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "As an electric steel plant on the road to climate neutrality, we depend on a sufficient supply of green energy at competitive prices. So, I am very excited about the project we have undertaken with Koehler Paper and the Port of Kehl Administration. If constructing a wind power plant at the Rhine port of Kehl proves feasible, it would be an important step toward securing our energy supply and toward COâ‚‚-neutral steel production."

This initiative highlights the commitment of Koehler Paper and BSW to explore innovative solutions for renewable energy generation and to contribute to a more sustainable industrial future.

Source: power-technology.com