JTI Marks First Renewable Energy Launch with Polish Solar Farm
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has launched its inaugural solar farm in Poland, a significant step in the company’s sustainability efforts. Spanning 30 hectares, the new facility will generate 20 MW of clean energy to power JTI’s factories in Gostków and Stary Gostków. This ambitious project is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 15,000 tonnes annually while meeting 30% of the factories’ electricity demands.
JTI Solar Farm Poland Project Specifications and Energy Output
A critical component of JTI’s sustainability strategy, the 20MW solar farm began construction in January 2024 and was completed in roughly nine months. The site features 37,500 solar panels, each with a 540 Wp capacity, alongside 86 inverters. The project underscores JTI’s firm commitment to environmental sustainability.
Beyond meeting 30% of the two factories’ electricity needs, the clean energy produced will also power the entire local railway line used by JTI. The resulting reduction in CO2 emissions is equivalent to the annual output of 6,500 cars, highlighting the project’s significant environmental impact.
JTI Solar Farm Poland Reinforces Sustainability Commitment
The solar farm is a cornerstone of JTI’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050. By collaborating with its energy partner, Columbus Energy, JTI is making tangible progress toward this goal while contributing to the Polish economy through renewable energy generation.
Agnieszka Szeptycka, JTI Polska Managing Director, stated, “Our global goal is to achieve net zero emissions across our value chain by 2050. In Poland, we are taking local action to achieve this by building solar farms in collaboration with our energy partner, Columbus Energy. We are committed to promoting clean energy and contributing to the Polish economy by generating green energy.”
JTI’s factories in Poland are pivotal to its global operations, employing over 3,200 people and exporting products to more than 100 countries, including the UK, Italy, Spain, and the United States. These facilities manufacture a diverse range of products, from traditional tobacco items to alternative nicotine delivery systems.
JTI’s Polish Solar Farm Built in Partnership with Columbus Energy
The solar farm was constructed in partnership with Columbus Energy, a leading Polish company specializing in renewables. Columbus Energy will handle both the construction and ongoing maintenance of the facility. This collaboration is integral to JTI’s strategy of increasing its use of renewable energy and minimizing its carbon footprint.
The anticipated 20 MW output will be sufficient to power the factories and the local railway line, enabling JTI to realize significant savings by reducing its reliance on conventional energy sources. This project is part of a growing trend in Poland, where businesses are increasingly investing in renewable energy, often supported by government incentives for solar and wind projects.
JTI’s Solar Farm to Benefit the Local Community
The solar farm is expected to bring several benefits to the local community, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to generating employment opportunities during its construction and maintenance phases.
This project is an integral part of JTI’s broader sustainability strategy and a vital step toward its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It also reflects a wider trend within Poland, where companies are increasingly investing in renewable energy. For more insights into similar initiatives, you can explore related projects such as Cemex’s 14MWp Solar Installation and Emeren’s 15MW Solar Project.
