PPG completes on-site solar installation in Italy

PPG has announced the completion of an on-site solar installation at its Caivano, Italy, facility that will enable progress toward the company’s 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

The project is part of a partnership with Grastim, an Italian developer of high-efficiency energy generation solutions. The 1.5 megawatt solar installation represents a CO2 emission reduction of approximately 390 tonnes/year. Combined with a previously installed combined heat and power unit (CHP), the site is achieving an approximate 15% reduction in annual operating costs.

“We’re committed to implementing processes and systems that will enable us to close in on our 2030 emissions reduction targets, which are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative,” said Mike Corcoran, PPG global manager, operational sustainability. “Caivano is a strong example of how we’re ensuring our sites operate in a more sustainable and operationally efficient way.”

The on-site solar installation complements the CHP unit, which was installed by Grastim in 2021. The unit captures waste heat created when generating electricity to produce steam and hot water for the site, resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 1,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

“We are proud to be part of PPG’s path towards its sustainability goals,” said Gianfranco Milani, managing director, Grastim. “We recognise that on-site solar photovoltaic production, hybridised with energy efficiency projects, are key elements to drive manufacturing facilities towards their decarbonisation targets. We trust this way of partnering with PPG will support future mutual ambitions and achievements.”

The Caivano facility manufactures electrocoat products for the industrial and automotive markets and decorative resins for PPG’s automotive and refinish plants. It has more than 120 employees.