Bayer AG, a global leader in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, has taken a significant step towards achieving its sustainability goals by signing a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Wuppertaler Stadtwerke (WSW), the public utility company of Wuppertal in North Rhein-Westphalia, Germany. This agreement underscores Bayer's unwavering commitment to renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint.

120 GWh of wind/solar power annually

Under the terms of the agreement, WSW will supply Bayer with over 120 GWh of wind and/or solar power annually from German renewable energy parks. This amount is equivalent to the electricity consumption of approximately 30,000 households each year. Bayer's sites in Darmstadt, Weimar, Bitterfeld, Bergkamen, Berlin, and Wuppertal will now receive 100% of their purchased electricity from renewable sources.

Matthias Berninger, Head of Public Affairs, Science, Sustainability & HSE at Bayer, commented on the new partnership, stated: “The agreement with Wuppertaler Stadtwerke is another milestone on the way to reducing our carbon footprint. Last year, we signed a comprehensive agreement in the USA to purchase 60% of our electricity from renewable sources. I am delighted that we have found a good partner in Germany with Wuppertaler Stadtwerke.”

This partnership builds on the longstanding relationship between Bayer and WSW in the energy supply sector. Maik Eckelmann, Head of the Elberfeld Supply Centre at WSW, expressed his satisfaction with the expanded partnership, highlighting the importance of a sustainable energy supply.

WSW CEO, Markus Hilkenbach, emphasized the significance of partnerships like this in driving the energy transition forward. He affirmed: “As pioneers of the energy and transport transition, we have made it our mission to develop sustainable and innovative products for the future and thus take responsibility for environmental and climate protection.”

Leader in sustainable business practices

Bayer's commitment to sustainability aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The company aims to make its business activities climate-neutral by 2030, with 100% of its purchased electricity coming from renewable sources by the same year. These reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, which supports companies in setting science-based emissions reduction goals.

Furthermore, Bayer has committed to meeting the highest standards for renewable energy, based on the guidelines of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

By securing this renewable energy supply agreement, Bayer reaffirms its position as a leader in sustainable business practices and sets a positive example for the industry. The company continues to make strides towards a greener future, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment.