The BMW Group is building its largest photovoltaic system in Debrecen

Hans-Peter Kemser (r.) and Zsolt Jamniczky (l.) signing the contract

In cooperation between the BMW Group plant in Debrecen and the E.ON Hungária group, representatives of the two companies signed a contract for the construction of a 50-hectare solar park on Wednesday at the plant’s communication center.

At a press event to mark the signing of the agreement, Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Hungary Kft., explained that the plant will house the BMW Group’s large photovoltaic system, one of the largest investments of its kind in Hungary. . .

A total of approximately 320,000 square meters of solar modules will be installed, of which 187,000 square meters are on the roof of the factory buildings and the rest on the ground.

In other words, 71,000 panels with an output of 43 megawatts will be installed on an area the size of 70 football fields, which can meet the energy needs of 20,000 households per year. The project will be completed with the start of production of the car in November 2025.

Hans-Peter Kemser also pointed out that sustainability is a key concern of the factory in all areas. He explained that the energy needed for production comes entirely from renewable sources and biodiversity is a fundamental factor. BMW will build green walls in production areas, work without paper and not use plastic in its restaurants, he explained.

Zsolt Jamniczky, Deputy Chairman of the E.ON Hungária Group, described the development as an important step in the life of the group, making it its biggest investment in Europe this year. He emphasized that

E.ON Hungária Group has never entered into a long-term partnership with any other company such as with the car manufacturer BMW in Debrecen.

He explained that the solar park that will be built on the factory site will not only be built, but will also be operated by E.ON in the coming years, which will also set up a management system at the site.

The mayor of Debrecen László Papp said that BMW has an important role in the future of the city. He welcomed the investment of the German car manufacturer, which meets two main requirements for the economic development of Debrecen: environmental awareness and sustainability. He added that the possibility of connecting with geothermal energy in the industrial area is already being studied, as this will allow the city to contribute to the renewable energy mix.

The BMW factory in Debrecen already employs more than a thousand people