Results achieved in 2023
Net Zero
On 7 July 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved the ERG Group’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, in line with the threshold required to keep the global temperature increase within 1.5°C. ERG is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2040 through specific actions both in the short term to 2027 (near-term target) and in the long term (long-term target).
Circular economy
In 2023, activities continued on the four “Social Purpose for Solar Revamping” projects, approved in 2022 by the ESG Committee and developed with non-profit organisations. The aim is to create a virtuous pathway for photovoltaic panels decommissioned for industrial reasons but still in an excellent state of efficiency, by reusing them in high social-impact projects in Italy and abroad. In this way, we intend to be among the first companies internationally to lay the foundations for a new re-use supply chain for solar modules, encouraging the industry to manage plant modernisation projects from a circular economy perspective.
Energy efficiency
As an industrial operator, ERG always strives to achieve the highest standards of energy efficiency in the management of its plants in order to maximise production, optimise producibility and ensure high levels of plant availability. The Group has focused its commitment on efficiency processes that follow different strands:
1. Repowering: the study and creation of new layouts for existing wind farms, involving the replacement of old wind turbines with latest-generation, higher-capacity models, reducing the total number of WTGs by about half while at the same time increasing overall installed capacity (around twofold, on average) and, even more, producibility (around threefold, on average), without any significant increase in land use.
2. Revamping: updating and improving existing photovoltaic plants by replacing obsolete or less efficient components (such as solar panels, inverters and monitoring systems) with cutting-edge technologies. This process aims to optimise operating efficiency and energy output, potentially increasing producibility without requiring a significant expansion of the occupied area. Although the nominal capacity may remain unchanged, revamping can result in higher energy production and improved reliability and sustainability. In some cases, the reduction of the utilised area allows the expansion of the existing plant through the installation of new capacity (solar repowering).
3. Predictive analysis: the implementation of more effective maintenance processes, supported by new machine monitoring tools.
Biodiversity
At the Saint-Maurice-la-Clouère wind farm in central-western France, the surrounding agricultural landscape includes hedges and woodland. Prior to the construction of the wind farm, we installed bird nests and bat shelters around the site to support local biodiversity. To ensure their sustainability, the structures were positioned in agreement with local farmers. At least 20 wildlife houses were installed during the summer of 2023. In addition, we entered into contracts with local farmers to plant more than 2,200 metres of hedges to replace the 276 metres removed, with a compensation ratio of 8 to 1.
For the Garnacha photovoltaic plant, an agronomic plan is planned on an alternative plot of land outside the plant area. The Foundation for Natural Heritage of Castile and León is responsible for implementing the agronomic plan, covering the same surface area as the project (224.37 ha). The following measures will be adopted:
- crop rotation;
- use of long-cycle grains and late harvest dates;
- ensuring a significant presence of uncultivated land;
- prohibition of plant protection products;
- maintenance and conservation of borders.
With regard to fauna, a building was installed for the conservation and recovery of the lesser kestrel, 6 heaps serving as refuges for small mammals and invertebrates, 40 nesting boxes and 10 perches for birds of prey.