Solar panels at a field near Huf Espana in El Burgo de Osma.
Magazine

Solar energy at Huf Espana: Sunny times for the environment

People & Passion |

By using solar energy, Huf Espana is setting a sustainable example of consistent environmental protection. The site in El Burgo de Osma generates "green" energy with the power of the sun. With more than 3,200 solar modules and an annual capacity of 2,100 MWh, the solar power plant reduces the company's carbon footprint and thus makes an important contribution to achieving its corporate goals. Background: Huf has set itself the goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2030 and acting sustainably in every respect.

Text: Michael Gorissen

“Spain is one of the worldwide forerunners regarding renewable energy and solar power plays a decisive role. Fortunately, there are many providers who offer complete services - from installation to grid feed. We chose Prosolia as a partner to install a solar power plant at our site and provide service,” says project leader Willem Andringa, Process Engineering manager in El Burgo de Osma.

Solar energy: power from the sky

More than 3,200 solar panels were installed on a neighboring field measuring 8,466 square meters. The modules have a nominal output of 1,728 kWp. This generates 2,100 MWh of electricity per year. “Our new solar plant has started to deliver energy in March 2022, and it will cover a considerable part of our electricity demand per year,” Andringa explains. 

Huf Spain bird's eye view of the plant in El Burgo de Osma.

Greener production: The solar plant covers a considerable part of Huf Espana’s annual energy needs.

The solar plant of Huf Spain on a field near the plant.

The 3,200 solar modules are installed right next to the plant and provide Huf Espana with "green" energy.

Environmental protection at Huf: clear sustainability targets and requirements

As solar energy plays an important part in reducing the share of fossil energy in the overall energy mix at Huf, the company is checking the feasibility to install further solar plants. Currently, this is done in the Mexican plant in Puebla. “If we manage to cover 25 percent of our electricity demand there with solar energy, this will sum up to an improvement of the carbon footprint in Mexico by 25 percent,” says Heiko Schulz-Andres, since 2020 globally responsible for Health, Safety & Environment and Sustainability at Huf.

“To achieve our target of being CO2 neutral by 2030, we are using our comprehensive set of measures and KPI that are tracked on a global base and continuously adapted to changing requirements. A current example: In view of the Ukraine crisis, it is essential that we get less dependent on fossil energy much faster,” explains Heiko Schulz-Andres.

Willem Andringa, project manager at Huf, with Natalia Latorre in front of a solar panel.

Willem Andringa, project leader at Huf, with Natalia Latorre, Continuos Improvement Manager at Huf.

The result of the intensified efforts in improving the carbon footprint of Huf are already reflected in various reports like the United Nations Global Compact Report, CDP Climate and EcoVadis. “Our customers are closely monitoring the progress of their suppliers regarding CO2 neutrality. We must prove to them with hard facts and figures, that we are on the right track to achieve our target of CO2 neutrality in 2030. Finally, acting sustainably pays for all of us. Everyone can contribute and every little action counts, like turning down heaters, air condition, lights, saving water and avoiding waste of any kind,” Schulz-Andres stresses.

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