Iberdrola's new solar plant supplies renewable electricity for Salzgitter's green steel production

Photovoltaic plant in Germany

The electricity company has commissioned a 65 MWp photovoltaic plant whose output will be used to manufacture green steel, facilitating the decarbonisation of the industry
The project is part of a 15-year long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) signed between the two companies for the supply of 900 GWh during the period

Iberdrola Germany has completed a new solar plant with a capacity of 65 megawatts (MWp) in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The solar park plant covers 45 hectares – an area roughly the size of 60 football pitches – and comprises more than 92,000 solar modules. The energy is supplied via a PPA to Salzgitter AG to support its regional energy transition providing 100% of the renewable electricity for its green steel production.

Felipe Montero, Managing Director of Iberdrola Germany, explains: "This solar plant is another milestone for our German onshore portfolio. We are demonstrating that the combination of strong partners, modern technology and long-term industrial cooperation is driving the energy transition forward in a concrete way. With Salzgitter AG, we have a partner that is clearly committed to sustainable transformation – and we are delighted to be embarking on this journey together."

With an expected annual production of around 60 gigawatt hours, the solar plant will supply enough renewable electricity to power more than 20,000 households – avoiding over 23,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. The electricity generated will be purchased in its entirety by Salzgitter AG and integrated into the transformation of steel production. The plant is thus helping to make one of the most energy-intensive industrial sectors gradually more climate-friendly and highlights Iberdrola’s commitment to transforming the steel sector through electrification.

Ralph Schaper, Head of Energy Management at Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH: “The Salzgitter Group relies on strong partnerships for its SALCOS® – Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking program. These robust networks help establish the essential foundations for implementing low-CO₂ production processes and products.”

The construction of the solar park was carried out in several coordinated project phases together with specialised project partners such as Solarpro, P&Q and EMT. Regional companies were also involved in the planning and implementation. The project thus contributes to regional value creation and secures jobs.