MAHLE Implements Groundbreaking PVT System for Sustainable Energy at Vaihingen-Enz Plant

MAHLE Implements Groundbreaking PVT System for Sustainable Energy at Vaihingen-Enz Plant

(IN BRIEF) MAHLE is pioneering sustainable energy practices at its Vaihingen-Enz plant in Germany by introducing a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system using over 1,000 PVT hybrid modules from Sunmaxx. The system will generate both electricity and thermal energy, reducing the plant’s reliance on fossil fuels. With the ability to store energy in a geothermal field, the system will ensure efficient heating and cooling, while stabilizing long-term energy costs. The project supports MAHLE’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040, with expected savings on energy expenditures. Sunmaxx CEO Wilhelm Stein highlights the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of such initiatives for industrial companies.

(PRESS RELEASE) STUTTGART/DRESDEN, 21-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — MAHLE is advancing its sustainability efforts at its Vaihingen-Enz production site in Germany by introducing a cutting-edge photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system. This innovative system, powered by over 1,000 PVT hybrid modules from Sunmaxx, a leader in the European PVT market, will provide both electricity and thermal energy, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Located in Baden-Württemberg, the new system will cover almost 2,000 square meters and generate more than 430 kilowatt-peak (kWp) of electrical power, alongside approximately 1.2 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of thermal energy annually. This amount of energy could meet the heating demands of roughly 100 single-family homes. The installation of the Sunmaxx modules is set to begin in February 2025, with the plant scheduled to be fully operational by July 2025.

Jumana Al-Sibai, a member of the MAHLE Group Management Board and head of the Thermal and Fluid Systems division, highlighted the strategic importance of the project: “This collaboration demonstrates the viability of renewable solutions, particularly in light of rising energy and process heat costs. The decarbonization of our Vaihingen-Enz site will not only serve as a model for other locations but also supports our target of achieving climate neutrality by 2040. Our German sites have already been climate-neutral since 2021.”

PVT modules offer the unique advantage of generating both electricity and heat simultaneously, unlike traditional photovoltaic systems. This dual-output capability makes them ideal for heat pumps, especially when combined with heat storage solutions. For the Vaihingen-Enz plant, a geothermal field will serve as the storage facility for the thermal energy generated by the PVT modules in the summer, ensuring efficient heating during the colder months. The use of PVT technology also reduces the need for extensive drilling compared to conventional geothermal systems.

As a result of this innovation, MAHLE expects significant long-term cost savings. By reducing dependence on natural gas, the company will achieve greater energy price stability, with no anticipated price increases over the next 30 years. Wilhelm Stein, CEO of Sunmaxx, emphasized the economic and environmental benefits: “This transition to PVT is not just an environmental commitment—it’s a strategic opportunity for industrial companies to stabilize energy costs while meeting their sustainability targets. MAHLE is leading the way in showing how such projects can provide cost-effective, long-term solutions.”

Media Contacts:

Kerstin Lau
Head of Media Relations
Phone: +49 711 501-13185

Manuela Höhne
Director MAHLE Communications
Phone: +49 711 501-12506

SOURCE: MAHLE GmbH