Lenzing expands photovoltaic capacity with VERBUND to accelerate renewable energy transition and net-zero goals

Lenzing expands photovoltaic capacity with VERBUND to accelerate renewable energy transition and net-zero goals

IN BRIEF) Lenzing Group has expanded its photovoltaic capacity at its Austrian headquarters with the commissioning of a new 1.3 MWp plant in partnership with VERBUND, raising the site’s total PV output to 8.3 MWp. This move strengthens the company’s diversified renewable energy portfolio, which already includes hydropower, wind, and biomass, and supports its long-term goal of energy independence. Lenzing also operates three small hydropower plants and maintains contracts for additional wind and solar energy projects in Austria. According to Executive Management member Christian Skilich, the strategy ensures competitiveness while aligning with ambitious climate commitments. VERBUND’s Martin Wagner highlighted the cooperation as a model for advancing the energy transition. Lenzing’s climate targets, confirmed by the Science Based Targets Initiative, align with the Paris Agreement, making it the only cellulose fiber producer worldwide with a validated net-zero target.

(PRESS RELEASE) LENZING, 26-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Lenzing Group, a global leader in regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, has further advanced its sustainability strategy with the commissioning of an additional photovoltaic plant at its Lenzing site. Implemented in partnership with VERBUND, the new installation provides a capacity of 1.3 megawatts peak (MWp), bringing the total photovoltaic output at the site to 8.3 MWp. With this step, Lenzing is reinforcing both its commitment to renewable energy and its pursuit of long-term energy independence.

The company has been consistently expanding its renewable energy portfolio in recent years, combining multiple sources to ensure a diverse and resilient energy supply. In addition to its growing PV network, Lenzing operates three small hydropower facilities generating 2.3 MW, while also securing long-term agreements for renewable electricity. These include a supply deal with WLK energy for approximately 13 MW of wind power and partnerships with Enery and Energie Steiermark to support a 5.5 MWp photovoltaic project in the Deutschlandsberg district.

Christian Skilich, member of the Lenzing Group Executive Management, underlined the importance of this approach: “Ensuring our long-term competitiveness requires a balanced mix of biomass, photovoltaics, wind, and hydropower. Investments in renewable energy, alongside efforts to make production as energy-autonomous as possible, are essential to our strategy. At the same time, supportive political frameworks—such as electricity price subsidies—are critical to achieving our ambitious climate and sustainability goals.”

The partnership with VERBUND continues to play a key role in this transition. Martin Wagner, Managing Director of VERBUND Energy4Business, commented: “Our collaboration with Lenzing highlights how industrial partnerships can accelerate the energy transition. The new photovoltaic system is a tangible example of how we can jointly enhance corporate energy independence while supporting a more sustainable future for the energy sector as a whole.”

These measures form part of Lenzing’s broader pathway to achieving net-zero emissions. In 2024, the company updated its climate goals in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius target, which was confirmed by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Lenzing remains the only producer of regenerated cellulose fibers with a net-zero target validated by the SBTi, positioning the company as a leader in climate-aligned innovation within its sector.

About the Lenzing Group
The Lenzing Group stands for the responsible production of specialty and premium fibers based on regenerated cellulose. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments. The Lenzing Group’s high-quality fibers are the raw material for a wide range of textile applications – ranging from functional, comfortable, and fashionable clothing through to durable and sustainable home textiles. TÜV-certified biodegradable and compostable Lenzing fibers are also ideal for demanding use in everyday hygiene applications.

The Lenzing Group’s business model extends far beyond that of a traditional fiber producer. Together with its customers and partners, Lenzing develops innovative products along the value chain, adding value for consumers. The Lenzing Group strives for efficient utilization
and processing of all raw materials and offers solutions for the transition of the textile industry from the current linear economic system to a circular economy. In order to align its commitment to limiting man-made climate change with the goals of the Paris Agreement, Lenzing has a clear, science-based climate action plan that provides for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2030 and a net-zero target by 2050.

Key Facts & Figures Lenzing Group 2024

Revenue: EUR 2.66 bn
Nominal capacity (fibers): 1,110,000 tonnes
Employees (full-time equivalents): 7,816
TENCEL™, LENZING™ ECOVERO™, VEOCEL™, LENZING™, and REFIBRA™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.

Media Contact:

Dominic Köfner
Phone +43 7672 701 2743
E-mail media@lenzing.com
Web www.lenzing.com

SOURCE: Lenzing