Westfleisch goes solar in Oer-Erkenschwick
Oer-Erkenschwick, May 15, 2025: Energy group E.ON is planning and installing a ground-mounted photovoltaic system at the Westfleisch site in Oer-Erkenschwick with an annual electricity yield of over 4,000 megawatt hours (MWh). The symbolic ground-breaking ceremony for the plant marks the start of the construction work, which will be carried out by Westfleisch together with E.ON. The photovoltaic system with an output of 4.33 megawatts peak (MWp) is optimized so that the green electricity generated will be consumed entirely on site in future. This will save around 1,700 tons of CO2 per year.
The head of the Westfleisch site, Bernhard Kotthoff, says: "The Westfleisch Group produces in Germany at over ten locations. The special feature of the plant in Oer-Erkenschwick will be that the green electricity generated here will be consumed exclusively on-site. This will enable us to compensate for future fluctuations in energy prices. This system also brings a clear added value to the immediate surroundings here in Oer-Erkenschwick – for the local environment, economic development, and the common goal of making our region more sustainable."
In close coordination with Westfleisch, E.ON is responsible for the extensive planning and installation of the plant. Johannes Birzele, responsible for such projects at E.ON Business Solutions Germany, says: "This system shows how industrial companies can increase their independence through specifically tailored energy solutions. We support our customers in making an active contribution to the energy transition and achieving their sustainability goals."
E.ON will install over 7,000 solar modules and ten inverters in Oer-Erkenschwick. Over the entire contract period of the project, Westfleisch will thus be able to save up to 30,000 tons of CO2 and significantly reduce electricity costs. The photovoltaic system covers an area of around 38,000 square meters. That is the equivalent of more than five soccer pitches.
“However, a project like this fails through technology or strategy alone – it lives from the people who implement it with energy and commitment. My special thanks therefore go to all Westfleisch employees and our partner E.ON, who have made this project possible with their commitment and expertise,” adds Kotthoff.
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About E.ON
E.ON is one of Europe's largest energy companies and a leader in energy networks, energy infrastructure solutions and energy sales. With a distribution network of 1.6 million kilometers and around 47 million customers, E.ON plays a central role in an increasingly CO2-free, digital and decentralized energy world. To actively shape Europe's green transformation, E.ON is investing heavily in a future-proof energy infrastructure and sustainable customer solutions. Around 77,000 employees strive every day to make new energy work. More information at: www.eon.com.
About Westfleisch
Westfleisch SCE mbH, as the second largest meat marketer in Germany and one of the top five in Europe with an annual turnover of over 3 billion euros, sustainably influences the global meat industry. As a cooperative with over 5,100 members, Westfleisch combines sustainable meat production, guaranteed quality, and regional responsibility. The company exports to over 40 countries, invests locally, and thus strengthens the domestic economy at all ten locations.