The first parts of the large-scale photovoltaic system at our Schwaz site have been in operation since August. We are planning a total of three expansion stages at the main plant and a further one at the secondary site in Vomp. When the system is fully installed, we will be able to cover up to a quarter of our own electricity needs with solar energy. In line with the “Tyrol 2050 Energy Autonomous” strategy, the technology company will save an additional 723 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Tyrolit as a pioneer
Following the introduction of emission-free e-trucks for internal transport, the expansion of solar energy is the next step in our Group-wide CSR strategy: “With our large photovoltaic system, we are taking responsibility and living up to our pioneering role as a leading Tyrolean technology company. Tyrolit is making a visible contribution to the energy transition and setting a good example,” explains CEO Thomas Fries. A total of four expansion stages of the photovoltaic system are planned: The first part is already in operation and delivers 1,198.00 kilowatt peak (kWp) in Schwaz, an additional installation with 1,163.20 kWp will follow at the same location in September. In the third expansion stage, another 168 kWp will be added in Schwaz and an additional installation with 1,130.80 kWp at the Vomp site. (Note: Per kWp, one can expect an electricity yield of about 900 to 1,100 kilowatt hours).

3,660 kWp from our own photovoltaic system
Once fully completed, the Tyrolit PV system will be one of the largest in Tyrol with a capacity of around 3,660.00 kWp: “We are proud to be able to build and operate a system of this size. The savings in electrical energy are equivalent to the demand of 1,500 households and the CO₂ emissions of around 500 new cars – each per year,” Friess explains proudly. When the photovoltaic system is in full operation, Tyrolit will be able to cover around a quarter of its own electricity needs and will make a significant contribution to the common goal of making Tyrol energy-autonomous by 2050.

Focus on energy since 2006
With the photovoltaic system that has now been implemented, we are continuing along the path we have been following since 2006. For over 15 years, Tyrolit has been adapting the technologies it uses in an energy-efficient manner. As well as switching from thermal afterburning to waste gas purification with regenerative processes and optimising firing technology, we are also focusing on heat recovery and optimising building technology in relation to the in-house heating system. These measures have so far saved the company a total of 22,037.3 megawatt hours of electricity and an additional 5,369 tonnes of CO₂ per year.