AkzoNobel Installs Solar Panels at Its İzmir Plant

AkzoNobel Installs Solar Panels at Its Izmir Facility AkzoNobel has completed a USD 650,000 solar energy investment at its Izmir powder coatings plant, becoming the first company to make such an investment in Izmir Free Zone. The solar panels installed at the facility will offset the clean air produced by 42,000 trees annually. AkzoNobel has completed a USD 650,000 solar energy investment on the roof of its powder coatings plant located at Izmir ESBAŞ, with a total installed capacity of 1076 kWp and 880 kWe. As part of the investment launched in 2021, 2,340 solar panels each with a power output of 460 W and eight inverters convert DC energy to AC. The solar panels, which were installed within five months, cover an area of 5,250 m² on the roof. South and east-facing aspects were preferred for energy efficiency. AkzoNobel Turkey Country Coordinator Sanal Limoncuoğlu, stating that the solar energy investment at the Izmir facility was implemented within the framework of AkzoNobel's "People.Planet.Paint" approach, which encompasses global sustainability initiatives, said: "We have a global target of sourcing 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. As Turkey, we are contributing to achieving our global targets and moving one step closer to our common goal. The carbon emission reduction we achieve with this investment is equivalent to the clean air provided by 42,000 trees annually. We are also proud to be the first facility at ESBAŞ to make a solar energy investment." The investment is expected to improve AkzoNobel Paints' energy costs by approximately 10%, resulting in annual savings of USD 180,000 at current energy prices. Energy cost projections indicate that, depending on global increases, this savings amount will expand in coming years. Through renewable energy use, annual CO2 emissions will be reduced by 949 tonnes. Among the targets related to AkzoNobel's "People.Planet.Paint" initiative for 2030 are significant goals including a 30% reduction in energy consumption, 100% renewable energy, 100% water reuse at the company's most water-intensive facilities, and reducing non-recyclable waste to zero.