Centro Oberhausen starts the solar revolution: 1.1 million kWh annually!

Centro Oberhausen starts the solar revolution: 1.1 million kWh annually!

An exciting signal for the future of sustainable energy supply is being set at the Westfield Centro Oberhausen. The largest shopping and leisure center in Europe is planning to install one of the largest photovoltaic systems on a shopping center in Germany. An ambitious project was launched in collaboration with the company kWhoch2 from Schermbeck and is already in full swing. Installation work has begun and is expected to be completed later this year derwesten.de reported.

With a total output of 1,247 kilowatt peak, the new PV system will consist of a total of 2,770 modules. Around 1.1 million kilowatt hours of climate-friendly electricity are generated every year - enough to cover the electricity needs of around 400 to 500 single-family homes. In this way, Centro Oberhausen is sending a strong signal for more sustainability and significantly reducing electricity purchases from the grid, which is part of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield's “Better Places” sustainability strategy.

An ambitious project for the environment

The logistics surrounding the installation are a real challenge, as different roof heights and limited storage space have to be taken into account. Nevertheless, the project is considered a milestone for more sustainability in the shopping center. In addition to the positive environmental effect, the project also supports the company's strategy for CO2 reduction: by 2030, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield plans to reduce emissions by 50 percent compared to 2015.

A look at the numbers shows that Westfield Centro is more than just a trendy shopping hotspot. With 230,000 square meters of space and over 250 shops, it offers plenty of leisure activities, including restaurants, bars, and attractions such as Topgolf and SEA LIFE Oberhausen. The connection to the regional and national infrastructure is also impressive: with 12,000 parking spaces and electric charging stations, visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay.

The importance of photovoltaics

What actually makes photovoltaics so important? The Federal Environment Agency explains that photovoltaic systems are not only environmentally friendly, but also have a very quick payback: after one to two years, they have already generated the energy required to produce them. They also produce significantly fewer CO2 emissions: While they only produce between 43 and 63 g of CO₂ equivalent per kWh, they avoid emissions of up to 746 g of CO₂ equivalent per kWh from conventional power plants.

The photovoltaic system in the Westfield Centro shows that economic success and environmental awareness can go hand in hand. This initiative could be an example for other regions in Germany and Europe that would also like to rely on innovative energy solutions. Because one thing is clear: sustainable action is very important and the desire for a greener planet is stronger than ever before.