Sofidel: new photovoltaic plant operational in the United Kingdom

Sofidel, known in Italy and Europe for the Regina brand, continues to invest in the energy transition at its European facilities.

The Group has commissioned a new photovoltaic plant installed at the Rothley Lodge converting plant in Leicester, United Kingdom.

Coverage of up to 19% in summer

The plant, located on the roof of the production building over a total area of 6.130 sq m, is designed to use the solar energy generated directly, without using storage systems: a technical choice that optimises operational efficiency and reduces management complexity. The installation features the latest solutions for optimising production and preventing fires.

In the first period of operation, characterised by significantly limited solar irradiation in northern Europe, the plant covered 11,68% of the site's total electricity energy requirements, equivalent to 13,45% of the energy drawn from the grid. It is estimated that in the summer months coverage could reach peaks of 19%.

“At the Sofidel Uk plant in Rothley Lodge, we also continue to work to reduce our carbon footprint. The results from the first period of operation are promising, considering that they were achieved during the coldest season and with lower solar irradiation,” said Giuseppe Munari, Sofidel’s country operations manager for the United Kingdom. This is further confirmation of our investment strategy in renewable energy, also based on the conviction that reducing dependence on fossil fuels means building a lasting competitive and industrial advantage.”

Decarbonisation strategy

The investment made in the British plant is just the latest part of a comprehensive strategy with which Sofidel addresses decarbonisation in the various countries where it operates, adapting solutions to the local climate, infrastructure and regulatory context: biomass in France and the United Kingdom, biomethane in France and Sweden, bio-syngas in Sweden, and photovoltaics in Romania, Italy and the United Kingdom.

A biomass boiler was activated just a few weeks ago at the French plant in Frouard. Together with a first unit already in operation, it will enable up to 95% of the site's steam requirements to be covered.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.