• The PV system generates 2.7 gigawatt hours annually, thus self-sufficiently covering up to 50 percent of local energy demand.
• Compared to the German electricity mix, the plant enables annual CO₂ savings of up to 1,000 tons.
• It guarantees the company stable electricity prices in the long term through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA).

Sulzbach-Rosenberg. Poing. One of the largest photovoltaic systems in the region has been put into operation on the roof of the LKQ Stahlgruber logistics center in Sulzbach-Rosenberg. On Monday, Michael Schuster, CEO of LKQ DACH, and Sulzbach-Rosenberg's mayor Stefan Frank inaugurated the groundbreaking energy project in a ceremonial setting.

The dimensions of the project are considerable: the facility covers an area of more than 12,000 square meters, which is roughly the size of two football fields. In total, over 6,000 photovoltaic modules were installed. These will generate around 2.7 gigawatt hours of green electricity per year in the future - an amount that could theoretically meet the annual needs of around 800 four-person households. 

Up to 50 per cent self-sufficiency 

The company uses the electricity generated directly on site. This can cover up to 50 percent of the logistics site's total energy needs - from hall lighting to modern conveyor technology. Converted, the plant enables theoretical savings at the site of up to 1,000 tons of CO₂ annually. In order to naturally bind this amount, a mixed forest of around 80,000 trees would be necessary.

„The facility is much more than a local project. It is a milestone in our group-wide sustainability strategy”, said Michael Schuster at the inauguration. „As the market leader in the automotive aftermarket, we are sending a clear message. We don't wait for change, we actively shape it.” 

Stable electricity prices thanks to PPA model

The major project was realized in cooperation with Ecobility Services GmbH. The establishment is based on a so-called Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This long-term power purchase agreement has a term of 20 years. In addition to its ecological benefits, the LKQ DACH model primarily offers economic planning security and independence from the fluctuations of the global energy market.

Johannes Vorbeck, Head of Sustainability and Real Estate at LKQ DACH, underlined the strategic importance: „This project clearly reflects how we are preparing our company for the future. Since energy is a critical factor for resilience and competitiveness, we are acting decisively to future-proof our operations with clean, reliable energy.“

The project partner is also convinced of the long-term cooperation: „With our latest photovoltaic project, together with LKQ DACH, we are sending a strong signal for a sustainable energy supply in the commercial sector“, said Nicolas Holdschik, Managing Director of Ecobility Services GmbH. „As a long-standing partner, we are pleased to now continue on this path in the PPA model.“