MERACRYL® production plant Wesseling is operating based on 100% green energy from an offshore wind park
Röhm advanced its commitment to energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction in 2023, securing a stable energy supply and implementing various projects to optimize energy use and sources. These efforts align with Röhm’s climate target to reduce its carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030 (“Track 2030” strategy).
As one of the measures in 2024, Röhm’s business unit Methacrylate Monomers implemented the transition towards 100% green electricity supply from an offshore wind park in its production plant Wesseling in Germany.
“One plant of Röhm completely switching to green energy is a great starting line”, says Steffen Wissel, Head of Energy Management at Röhm. “The future is based on renewable energies and sustainable power generation and especially offshore wind parks are contributing to this development.”
The green energy used to produce MERACRYL® Methacrylate Monomers at Wesseling is coming from a giant offshore wind park in Germany providing 288 megawatts in total.
“We at Methacrylate Monomers have a clear roadmap to achieve our Track 2030 targets”, contributes Hans-Detlef Luginsland, Senior Vice President of Bulk Monomers. “The transition to green energy is one important measure in our roadmap and complements other sustainability activities in our business unit.”
Five Advantages of offshore wind parks compared to onshore wind farms
Offshore wind parks offer significant potential to contribute to renewable energy generation and help mitigate climate change while providing a range of economic and environmental benefits.
1. Higher and More Consistent Wind Speeds
Wind speeds tend to be stronger and more consistent offshore compared to onshore locations because there are fewer obstructions such as buildings and trees, leading to higher energy production potential.
2. Large Capacity Potential
Offshore wind farms can be built on a larger scale than onshore wind farms. This means they have the potential to generate more electricity, helping to meet higher energy demands.
3. Potential for Higher Capacity Factors
The combination of stronger and more consistent winds offshore often leads to higher capacity factors for offshore wind farms compared to onshore projects. This means that offshore wind turbines typically operate more frequently and produce a higher percentage of their maximum rated capacity.
4. Technological Advancements
Offshore wind technology continues to advance rapidly, with innovations in turbine design, installation methods, and maintenance techniques. This ongoing development improves the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of offshore wind energy production.
5. Availability of Space
Offshore wind farms have access to vast expanses of open ocean, providing ample space for large-scale deployment without competing with other land uses such as agriculture or urban development.