Mercedes-Benz (www.mercedes-benz.com) is set to power an engine plant in Poland using electricity from renewable energy sources only.

Bringing together the industrial sector and the wind energy sector, this long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) is the first of its kind in Poland.

The new Mercedes-Benz manufacturing site in Jawor, designed to produce four-cylinder engines, will not only raise the bar with ‘state of the art’ manufacturing methods and Industry 4.0 technologies, but also set new power supply standards.

As of 2019, Taczalin wind farm, which is located around 10km from the plant and operated by Germany’s VSB Group, will supply ‘green’ energy for the entire facility.

The 22 wind turbines were commissioned in late 2013 and have a combined installed capacity of 45.1MW.

Marko Lieske, VSB Group managing director, said: “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 the company on its path to carbon-neutral manufacturing.”

Mercedes-Benz has been able to choose wind-generated electricity to power its plant thanks to Poland’s renewable energy scheme, which allows suppliers to offer their electricity on the market or sell it as part of a PPA.

Suppliers enter into these agreements with major power consumers to co-ordinate the long-term purchase of electricity at an agreed fixed rate; this allows consumers to protect themselves against rising electricity costs, while suppliers have the benefit of stable revenue that facilitates more reliable budgeting.