Boehringer Ingelheim produces its own green energy

• German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck opens new biomass power plant
• The Ingelheim plant can cover 95% of its energy needs from renewable sources
• The new power plant helps the company achieve global climate goals and saves around 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year

Boehringer Ingelheim inaugurated a biomass power plant at its Ingelheim headquarters on Monday. With the new power plant, Boehringer Ingelheim is optimizing its energy supply while protecting the environment: around 50,000 tons of CO₂ are saved annually. WHAT₂ emissions from the plant’s own energy production have been reduced by 70%. In total, the company will invest EUR 205 million in sustainable infrastructure projects at Ingelheim and will be able to cover 95% of its energy needs at the plant from renewable sources in the future.

Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management Michael Schmelmer described the launch as a “significant milestone” for Boehringer Ingelheim and explained: “Part of our sustainability goals is to protect natural resources so that our earth remains a place worth living for people and animals. With an environmentally friendly and more independent energy supply, we ensure stable production to be able to bring medicines to patients around the world.”

The ceremonial inauguration was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of Germany and Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck and the Minister of the Environment of Rhineland-Palatinate Katrin Eder.

Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck said: “Decarbonizing all areas of our economy is necessary to achieve global climate goals on the one hand and to reduce energy imports on the other. Boehringer Ingelheim is a good example. The company uses renewable energy sources for production. It trains and attracts talent as an attractive employer. Finally, it invests heavily in research and development, thus contributing to better healthcare and securing the plant for the future.”

Biomass is an important source of renewable energy and is considered almost carbon dioxide₂ neutral. The waste wood used as fuel in Ingelheim is a waste product. It comes from the Rhine-Main region and is controlled according to strict quality standards.

Further measures regarding CO₂ neutrality by 2030

The company has set itself the goal of making its business activities CO₂ neutral by 2030. To this end, many individual projects are being implemented to save energy worldwide. By building more energy-efficient buildings, the company has so far been able to save around 25% of its energy requirements per square meter of usable area in Ingelheim. In Ingelheim, the company also operates its own solar park from 2023. Several other Boehringer Ingelheim facilities are already certified as carbon neutral, for example in Dortmund (Germany), Gainesville (USA), Zhangjian (China) or Sant Cugat (Spain).

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in human and animal health. As one of the largest investors in research and development in the industry, the company is focused on developing innovative therapies in areas with high unmet medical need. Independent since its founding in 1885, Boehringer has taken a long-term view, implementing sustainability across the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve more than 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable and equitable future. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.