VSB is implementing a ground-mounted photovoltaic system with 8 megawatt peak on the premises of thyssenkrupp Rasselstein GmbH. VSB Integrated Energy Solutions, the VSB Group’s subsidiary specializing in energy solutions for trade and industry, is responsible for the implementation. The long-term on-site PPA includes financing, planning, construction and operation.
Around 12,000 solar modules are being built on two previously undeveloped areas with a total of 5.2 hectares. After planned completion in mid-2027, the plant is expected to generate around 8 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity annually. This will be used entirely on site and will cover part of thyssenkrupp Rasselstein’s needs in the future. The on-site PPA will initially run for 20 years.
Construction is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2026. CO₂-reduced bluemint® Steel from thyssenkrupp Steel with the ZM EcoProtect® Solar coating is used for the steel substructure.
Renewable electricity without your own investment
VSB Integrated Energy Solutions bears the investment costs and is responsible for the construction and operation of the plant. For thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, this means renewable electricity directly from the factory premises, less grid consumption and more predictable energy costs. At the same time, the project supports thyssenkrupp Steel’s green electricity and decarbonization strategy.
“With the project in Andernach, thyssenkrupp Rasselstein is demonstrating the potential of renewable energies directly at the industrial site. As an implementation partner, we take care of planning, financing, construction and operation and create a reliable solution with long-term planning security,” explains Frederic Wagner, Managing Director of VSB Integrated Energy Solutions GmbH.
Dr. Thorsten Krenke, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and member of the Executive Board of thyssenkrupp Rasselstein GmbH, adds: “Our goal was to cover part of our green electricity needs locally. The result is the construction of an on-site PV system that shows that this is also possible in a grown industrial environment.”
On-site PPAs for industry and commerce
The model enables companies to purchase renewable electricity directly on site without tying up their own capital for the plant – with long-term calculable conditions. Depending on the design, grid fees, levies and other cost components may also fall.
The project for thyssenkrupp Rasselstein joins the PPA projects that VSB has already implemented for commercial and industrial customers – including Carrefour, Hutchinson, Lhyfe, Mercedes-Benz, METRO and Sealed Air.
