TenneT and Siemens Energy have entered an agreement aimed at reducing the carbon footprint at Siemens' transformer plant in Nuremberg. The partnership's first significant achievement is the production of transformers using 100% recycled copper.
Siemens Energy will now manufacture all future transformers for TenneT with green copper. By 2030, TenneT plans to have around 52 transformers from Siemens Energy, each containing 72 tonnes of recycled copper. This initiative is expected to significantly cut CO2 emissions during grid expansion, with each transformer alone reducing emissions by 100 metric tonnes. Together, the companies aim to save approximately 6,500 tonnes of CO2 by 2030 through the use of recycled copper.
The next phase of the collaboration will involve developing further innovative solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and protect the environment. The goal is to cut CO2 emissions in the value chain of both companies by 30% by 2030. They will focus on new technologies, decarbonizing manufacturing processes, and recycling materials along their value chain.
Tim Meyerjürgens, TenneT's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership with Siemens Energy is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can successively exploit the potential of the circular economy and develop a more climate-neutral product range.”
Tim Holt, a member of Siemens Energy's managing board, highlighted the critical nature of such collaborations in combating climate change. He remarked, “In the global race against climate change, our efforts to expand the grids must be accompanied by determined efforts to decarbonize these grids.”
The extra-high-voltage grid, essential for the energy transition, will transport electricity generated from renewable sources to consumers. Expanding the grid will facilitate the integration of more wind and solar energy, replacing fossil fuels. This requires rapid modernization and expansion of power lines and substations. By 2045, TenneT plans to expand 12,000 kilometers of grid and build 73 new substations, while modernizing 16 others.
Sustainable production of technical components like steel pylons, aluminum conductors, underground copper cables, and transformers is crucial given the large-scale grid expansion projects. Additionally, the scarcity of raw materials such as steel, copper, aluminum, concrete, and plastics for the energy transition emphasizes the importance of recycling materials within a circular economy.
TenneT and Siemens Energy are committed to improving their CO2 footprint by promoting climate-neutral supply chains and enhancing their product portfolio with green raw materials for grid expansion.
