Daimler is pressing ahead with the transition to emission-free mobility – and suppliers also play an important role. In recognition of their activities in this area, the Daimler Supplier Award in the Sustainability category was presented for the first time on February 12, 2020. The green power producer Statkraft is one of the winners.
Daimler AG wants to provide customers with individual automotive freedom and sustainable mobility. Today, sustainability is an essential element of Daimler's sustainable business strategy and a benchmark for corporate success. With Ambition2039, Mercedes-Benz Cars is substantiating the path to sustainable mobility: The enterprise is striving towards a CO2-neutral new car fleet in less than 20 years. One milestone is CO2-neutral production in Europe from 2022. Clear objectives that Daimler implements together with innovative suppliers.
To underscore the great importance of cooperation in the area of sustainability, Daimler presented an award in the Sustainability category for the first time as part of the Daimler Supplier Award 2020. Two suppliers were awarded prizes for their outstanding solutions and projects in the field of "Climate protection & air quality". Thorhild Widvey, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Statkraft, was one of the first to receive the Sustainability Award from Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG.
And the winner is …
The Norwegian energy group Statkraft Markets GmbH received the award. Statkraft generates electricity from water, wind, biomass and gas. Sustainability is also a major priority for Statkraft. Future growth will therefore be in the field of renewable energies.
In addition, the enterprise is committed to acting in a sustainable, ethical and socially responsible manner in accordance with globally recognized standards. As a direct supplier, Statkraft brings together electricity producers as well as commercial and industrial enterprises throughout Europe. The enterprise develops individual concepts for them that offer added value for both sides – such as the green power package for Daimler, which received an award in February. It enables all Daimler locations in Germany to be supplied with 100 percent green electricity.
"Statkraft Markets is a true pioneer. We have been partners for years, and now we are taking the next step together. The tailor-made green power concept ensures that energy production always corresponds to the real-time energy consumption of our sites. Statkraft is thus setting new standards and sustainably supporting our Ambition 2039."
Unique & groundbreaking: the green power package
The tailor-made concept from wind, solar and hydroelectric power combines the company's own renewable energy production with electricity from third-party renewable energy sources. For the first time, this enables a long-term, 100 percent green power supply on an industrial scale. The energy production is precisely coordinated to the actual consumption.
Most of the electricity is generated in German solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants and the rest in Statkraft hydroelectric power plants. This flexible supplementation ensures that the German Daimler plants are supplied with electricity from 100 percent renewable energy sources at all times. A green power supply in this combination and on this scale sets new standards and is so far unique in Germany.
" Generating green power in the way it is needed is a great challenge that can only be met with maximum flexibility. Our hydroelectric power plants supplement wind and solar power generation so that a 100 percent renewable power supply is guaranteed at all times. We are very proud to be the winner of the Daimler Supplier Award in the Sustainability category and are pleased to be able to support Daimler with our concept of reducing CO2 emissions and achieving the climate goals we have set ourselves. "
Sustainable & foresighted: the contract
Statkraft developed the innovative green power concept exclusively for Daimler's needs. The two enterprises are already a well-established partnership: Together with Enovo, Statkraft has been supplying energy from hydroelectric power plants to Mercedes-Benz Cars plants since 2019. From 2022, all Daimler locations in Germany will be supplied with CO2-neutral power.
Climate friendly & advantageous: for everyone
The Statkraft concept makes it possible for the first time in Germany to integrate wind and sun from 100 percent verifiable renewable sources into the power supply. However, this not only guarantees the necessary flexibility for climate-friendly production at Daimler – the project, which received the Daimler Supplier Award in the Sustainability category, is also a benefit for the environment and society.
The wind power is obtained from existing wind power plants whose subsidies will expire after 2020 in accordance with the German Renewable Energy Sources Act. This ensures continued operation beyond the end of the funding period. In addition, new solar parks are to be built in Germany and the electricity generated there will be used to supply the Daimler sites. Power supplies from German and Norwegian hydroelectric power complement the comprehensive green power package. With this project, Statkraft and Daimler are making an overall contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and thus to achieving climate targets in Germany and green change in Europe.