Realisation of an extensive solar project at the production site of a pharmaceutical manufacturer
A major pharmaceutical manufacturer is investing in a photovoltaic system at its production site in Switzerland. With a capacity that covers 25% of the annual demand, the project demonstrates the company's commitment to renewable energy and its goals to reduce CO₂ emissions.
The pharmaceutical manufacturer Takeda is currently building a photovoltaic system at its production site in Pierre-à-Bot in Neuchâtel. The solar panels are being installed on an unused plot of land and on the roofs of the car parks. The system will have a capacity of 3.7 megawatts per year and generate 4 gigawatt hours of electricity. This corresponds to 25 per cent of the annual demand. Commissioning is planned for the beginning of October 2024. The investment amounts to CHF 5 million.
With this solar project, the Japanese pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturer with its Swiss headquarters in Opfikon is making an important contribution to decarbonisation, according to its press release. “We are delighted to have been able to realise this ambitious project,” said Violaine Blétry-de Montmollin, city councillor for Neuchâtel. “It fits in perfectly with our energy concept.”
Takeda is aiming to achieve net zero emissions worldwide by 2035 for its own activities. As part of this, the company is currently pursuing around ten projects at its site in Neuchâtel. In addition to electrification, they are dedicated to heat recovery, the avoidance of fossil fuels and refrigerants and biodiversity.
Takeda acquired the production site in Neuchâtel five years ago as part of the takeover of its Irish competitor Shire. The site, which employs almost 700 people from 20 different countries, has specialised in the manufacture of medicines for the treatment of blood clotting disorders (haemophilia) for 25 years. They are supplied to over 80 countries.