Now we can produce 60% of our own electricity needs
Phase 3 of the solar panels on Barkvägen is now complete. We can now meet more than half of our own electricity needs. A goal we have achieved well ahead of our set deadline. But our sustainability journey continues.
Like many other companies, we have installed solar panels at some of our facilities and properties. At Barkvägen 7 in Vetlanda, where we produce cable laying products, we have now completed a third phase of solar panel installation – which means our solar power facilities now cover a total area of approximately 20,000 m². We now have the capacity to produce almost 2 million kWh/year in total across all facilities, which is about 60% of the MP Group’s own electricity needs.
However, we cannot use all the electricity ourselves. The panels produce electricity even when the business is not operating, such as on holidays and vacations. The electricity we cannot use is sold to the grid, but we have no ambitions to become an electricity producer. Now, the focus is rather on efficiency.
– Going forward, we will ensure that we use as much of the electricity ourselves as possible through smart machine startups, control systems, and we are exploring various storage solutions,” says Erik Karlsson, property manager.
Solar energy was discussed as early as 2014 when we built new storage and dispatch halls. We wanted a roof structure that could handle the load from solar panels, even though it would be a while before our first panel was in place in 2019.
Solar panels are not the only solution we have looked at when it comes to producing renewable energy. The sustainability work is ongoing, where we investigate and calculate whether different solutions can suit us. But sometimes it is not right for our business.
– In agriculture, we have explored biogas and also considered small-scale wind power. Hydropower is something we will look into more closely and investigate if it works in any of our operations,” Erik explains.
Sustainable Goals
The parent company MP Bolagen in Vetlanda encompasses all MP Bolagen’s operations: industry, agriculture, real estate, and securities trading. As Vision 2023 came to an end and the new Vision 2028 was to be adopted, the board set four main sustainability goals, one of which was to produce renewable electricity to meet at least 50% of the group’s electricity needs by the end of April 2028. We have already achieved this.
With our investments in solar energy, we aim to build a sustainable future with renewable energy for future generations. But we are not stopping there; we continue to evolve by constantly exploring new solutions and technological innovations.
– Our journey towards a sustainable future is based on long-term investments where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. Together, we shape a better tomorrow,” Evert concludes.