We Weld with Green Energy

As of recently, we not only manufacture high-quality transport solutions for road or rail, but also produce our own solar power. In January, a 900 square metre photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of one of the three factory buildings in Kriessern. This has been in operation since the beginning of February and ensures that our products are even greener. In the future, welding will be done here, with the power of the sun, among other things.

“We also share responsibility for protecting the environment in the long term,” says CFO Albert Grünenfelder. “Building a photovoltaic system was a logical step for us to do something for the energy transition ourselves.” And the investment pays off: the plant produces around 187.62 megawatt hours per year on average. This covers more than half of GK’s electricity consumption and corresponds to the energy needs of around 25 households per year. “We can significantly reduce energy costs, and at the same time make ourselves less dependent on fluctuating prices,” says Grünenfelder. The goal of the new system is to ensure the highest possible self-consumption of the electricity generated. To accomplish this, GK enlisted the help of three solar specialists from the Rhine Valley. Under the management of Elektrobüro AG, Kobler Energie AG and RHV Energietechnik AG, the roof was first renovated and then equipped with 478 solar modules.