Enercity is building the largest rooftop solar power plant in the Region Hannover

At Verdion ExpoPark, a 46,700-square-meter logistics center located on the former Expo grounds, enercity is building what it claims is currently the largest rooftop solar array in the Hanover region. A PV system with a total capacity of just under 4,700 kilowatts peak (kWp) has been installed on the logistics hall, which was completed at the end of last year, and is operated by enercity. enercity’s goal is to work with its partners to vigorously expand solar power generation and thereby increase independence from fossil fuels.

The facility reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1,900 tons

The new PV system, comprising 11,400 modules, will save nearly 1,900 tons of CO2 annually—equivalent to the average CO2 emissions of nearly 1,400 mid-size cars. But that’s not all: the solar power will be generated on-site for enercity’s major customer, Sparkasse Hannover. The bank has contractually secured half of the expected annual electricity production of just over four million kilowatt-hours starting January 1, 2023. This is done through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), i.e., contracts between buyers and green electricity producers at a fixed agreed-upon price. Installation of the PV system is scheduled to be completed and the system commissioned by fall 2022.

Sparkasse Hannover purchases solar power directly

“The electricity from this local solar power system is used directly in our properties in Hanover,” says Volker Alt, CEO of Sparkasse Hannover. “Procuring renewable, locally generated electricity is part of our sustainability strategy. Since 2021, we have been sourcing 100 percent green electricity and green gas. Now, one-third of our electricity needs are covered directly by the PV system on the Expo grounds. We are working to ensure that sustainable business practices play a central role in both our infrastructure and our core business—financing and wealth creation.”

Photovoltaics as a key element of sustainable construction

“The building was designed with the highest standards of technology, energy efficiency, and sustainability in mind. The photovoltaic system, for which we have already pre-installed all necessary components during construction, also contributes to this. A similar system was already installed for the building in the first construction phase,” says Verdion Managing Director André Banschus. With this construction, Verdion is aiming for the property to receive a Gold sustainability certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

Driving the energy transition forward

“This solar power plant is a flagship project that demonstrates how we are strengthening Lower Saxony as a business location through renewable energy,” says enercity CEO Dr. Susanna Zapreva. “Marketing green electricity regionally is another important step toward advancing the energy transition through strong partnerships and innovative ideas. The needs of our customers are at the heart of everything we do.” The investment volume for the new enercity PV plant amounts to approximately 3.5 million euros. Since 2013, enercity has been operating a two-megawatt plant on Verdion’s existing logistics hall in Hanover.

(Published on September 20, 2022)