Lenzing Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio With New Photovoltaic Plant
The Lenzing Group, a leading global producer of regenerated cellulose fibres for the textile and nonwoven industries, has expanded its renewable energy portfolio with the commissioning of a new 1.3 MWp photovoltaic (PV) plant at its Lenzing site, developed in partnership with Verbund. This addition increases the company’s total PV capacity to 8.3 MWp, strengthening its energy independence and advancing its climate goals.
The move builds on Lenzing’s diversified renewable energy strategy, which already includes three hydropower plants with a combined 2.3 MW output, long-term wind energy contracts totaling around 13 MW, and investments in external photovoltaic projects such as a 5.5 MWp facility in Deutschlandsberg in collaboration with Enery and Energie Steiermark.
“To ensure our long-term competitiveness, we are focusing on a sustainable energy mix of biomass, photovoltaics, wind and hydropower,” said Christian Skilich, Member of the Lenzing Group Executive Management. “Investments in renewable energies and energy-autonomous production are central to our strategy. At the same time, continued political support, for instance, through electricity price subsidies is crucial to achieving our ambitious climate targets.”
Martin Wagner, Managing Director of Verbund Energy4Business, added: “Our partnership with Lenzing underlines how cooperation drives the energy transition. Together, we are fostering corporate energy independence and contributing to a sustainable energy future. The new PV system is further evidence of how industry and energy providers can jointly transform the market.”
Lenzing has consistently aligned its sustainability roadmap with global climate targets. In 2024, it updated its net-zero pathway to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C benchmark, with its targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Notably, Lenzing remains the only cellulose fibre producer worldwide with a scientifically confirmed net-zero target.
With its latest investment, Lenzing continues to set benchmarks in renewable integration for the textile supply chain, demonstrating that sustainable fibre production and climate responsibility can progress hand in hand.
