The long-term power purchase agreement between Mercedes and Germany’s VSB is the first of its kind in Poland. The agreement allows VSB to expand its operations and assume a pioneering role in the Polish energy market.
The 22 Suzlon wind turbines were commissioned in late 2013 and have a combined installed capacity of 45.1 MW. VSB Group developed the wind farm and operates it as well.
“In choosing locally-generated electricity from renewable sources, Mercedes-Benz has assumed the role of an international pioneer in the automotive industry. We appreciate this opportunity to assist Mercedes-Benz on their path to carbon-neutral manufacturing,” said VSB Managing Director Marko Lieske.
The manufacturing site will produce four-cylinder engines for Mercedes-Benz cars. The automaker is able to choose wind-generated electricity to power its plant thanks to Poland’s renewable energy scheme. The scheme permits suppliers to offer their electricity on the market or sell it as part of a PPA. PPAs are becoming an increasingly popular marketing tool for suppliers of wind-generated power in Europe and around the world.
Michael Graf from Daimler International Procurement Services, Procurement of Energy and Fuels, said, “Our partnership with VSB offers multiple advantages, both economically and ecologically. Daimler also recognizes the added value that the wind farm’s proximity to the Jawor engine plant represents.”
