New energy concept

Tyrolit Neuenrade fully operational

Since March 2025, our plant in Neuenrade, Germany, has been powered by a fully operational sustainable energy concept. This marks the end of a three-year transformation that began after a fire in the electroplating department in October 2020.That fire destroyed one building and damaged parts of our heating and ventilation systems. Instead of simply rebuilding, we developed an entirely new energy concept.

Sustainability is not just a goal — it’s part of how we shape the future.

A 277 kWp photovoltaic system, installed at the end of 2024, now generates renewable electricity on-site. A combined heat and power unit (CHP) produces additional electricity and uses the waste heat for electroplating and space heating.

Cooling and heating are now produced centrally — and exclusively with water as the refrigerant. High-efficiency adsorption chillers provide cold water for machinery and air conditioning. These are up to seven times more efficient than conventional systems.

We also introduced smart energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting. As a result, we have cut our primary energy use by 50%.

Another highlight: a vacuum evaporator separates chemical substances from electroplating wastewater. It returns clean water and distillate to the disposal cycle, significantly reducing waste.

In 2024, the city of Neuenrade recognised the project as "a good example of climate protection."

We’re proud of the result.

_{Markus Weiss}_{(Managing Director/ Head of grinding technology Tyrolit Group) and}_{Christian Betten}_{(Quality and Energy Manager)}