AMAG to double its rooftop photovoltaic plant capacity to enhance clean energy output for Ranshofen aluminium site

AMAG Austria Metall AG, the biggest company in the Austrian aluminium industry, is reportedly expanding its rooftop photovoltaic plant to double with the help of Energie AG, a modern and efficient energy and service group, in a bid to make a significant shift from using natural gas to green electricity for decarbonising Ranshofen aluminium production site.

The expansion of the rooftop photovoltaic plant will start in June 2024 and is expected to be finished by the end of the year. Once done, it will be the largest rooftop photovoltaic plant in Austria. 

For the expansion, AMAG will install photovoltaic plant modules on six halls at the Ranshofen plant site, covering about 63,000 square metres of gross roof area, in addition to the existing area of 60,000 square metres. This means more than 120,000 square metres will be used to generate electricity, similar in size to around 17 football pitches. 

This expansion will enable AMAG to produce 13.3 GWh of annual energy instead of 7.3 GWh at present. This additional amount of energy is comparable to the energy consumption of around 3,700 households per year.

The electricity generated from this photovoltaic plant is exclusively used by AMAG for its own requirements. So, with the expansion in solar energy generation, AMAG will step towards Co2 neutrality by reducing its dependence on natural gas and increasing its reliance on green energy.

Helmut Kaufmann, Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Technical Officer of AMAG Austria Metall AG, said: “As part of our efforts to decarbonise and move away from fossil fuels, green electricity from various sources will play a key role. Therefore, the expansion of our existing rooftop photovoltaic plant is another important step that we are taking together with Energie AG.”

Leonhard Schitter, CEO of Energie AG, commented, “Solar energy is already playing a key role in sustainable and regional energy generation. With the doubling of the existing rooftop photovoltaic plant in Ranshofen, we are continuing our expansion offensive for solar power together with AMAG, thus making an active contribution to a fossil-free energy future.”