Germany's only tinplate producer, thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, is constructing a large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system at its production site. The project is being carried out in partnership with VSB Integrated Energy Solutions GmbH, a subsidiary of the VSB Group, which has been part of TotalEnergies since 2025.
The PV system forms part of a comprehensive green electricity strategy for the Andernach plant and is being implemented under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). VSB Integrated Energy Solutions will be responsible for the construction, financing, and operation of the facility. thyssenkrupp Rasselstein will provide two sites and purchase 100% of the electricity generated during the first 20 years. The solar power produced will help reduce the CO₂ footprint of both the plant and its products.
Plant scheduled to come online in mid-2027
Construction of the photovoltaic facility, which will comprise approximately 12,000 solar panels, is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with commissioning planned for mid-2027.
The installation will cover 5.2 hectares, an area roughly equivalent to seven football fields. With an installed capacity of 8 MWp, the solar power plant is expected to generate approximately 8 GWh of electricity annually.
The electricity produced is estimated to meet the annual consumption of around 2,000 households, while all generated power will be used directly at the production site.
Low-carbon steel to be used in the supporting infrastructure
As part of the project, the supporting structures for the approximately 12,000 solar panels will be manufactured using bluemint® Steel, thyssenkrupp Steel's low-carbon steel product. The company will also use its ZM EcoProtect® Solar coating, developed specifically for photovoltaic ground-mounted applications, in the steel structures.
As a result, not only the renewable energy project itself but also the materials used in its construction will contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
Dr. Thorsten Krenke, CTO of thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, said the project aims to meet part of the company's green electricity demand through on-site generation, demonstrating that renewable energy production is feasible even within an established industrial environment.
Another step in the company's green electricity strategy
The on-site solar investment is part of the broader energy transition initiatives being implemented within thyssenkrupp Steel.
Dennis Becher, Head of Energy Management at the company, stated that green electricity supply agreements are a key pillar of the company's decarbonization strategy. He noted that more than 20% of thyssenkrupp Steel Europe’s current electricity supply is secured through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
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