Bertschi Reduces Electricity Consumption at Birrfeld Terminal by 40%

In terms of sustainability, the Bertschi Group takes on a pioneering role as a leader in intermodal chemical logistics. With the installation of a total of three solar systems (annual output of 240,000 kWh) at the central Swiss terminal location in Birrfeld, this corporate philosophy is further pursued, aiming for greater independence in electricity supply and an ecological approach to operations. The strategic corporate goal of CO2 reduction is to be achieved, among other things, through the realization of additional photovoltaic systems at Bertschi locations – a concrete project is planned for the headquarters in Dürrenäsch.

(Dürrenäsch) As part of its logistics infrastructure, the globally active Bertschi Group operates an important rail terminal in Birrfeld for container transshipment between road and rail. The site also houses a multi-story office building, a container workshop, and a tank cleaning facility. Due to the energy-intensive activities carried out at the site, the total electricity consumption amounts to 750,000 kWh, which corresponds to the annual consumption of about 187 households. With the installation of solar systems on the rooftops of the three buildings, 240,000 kWh of energy can now be produced annually, covering approximately 30% of the electricity demand. An additional 10% of electricity has been saved through process optimizations and investments in facility renewals.

“In our corporate strategy, we have set binding targets for reducing our CO2 emissions and have also aimed for the construction of solar systems at our locations. I am pleased that we have been able to take another step towards achieving these goals with the project in Birrfeld,” explains Hans-Jörg Bertschi, Chairman of the Board of the Bertschi Group. “By successfully shifting over 90% of all transports from road to environmentally friendly rail and water routes, we can already save 70% of CO2 emissions compared to direct road transport. Utilizing solar energy for our terminal activities allows us to further reduce our ecological footprint and offer even more sustainable services,” adds Jan Arnet, CEO of the Bertschi Group.

The solar systems in Birrfeld are intended to be just an interim step, with other locations following suit. Specifically, the installation of another system at the group’s headquarters in Dürrenäsch is planned, which can generate up to 460,000 kWh of electricity and thus cover the annual needs of 115 households. In this sense, the journey has only just begun.

Photo: © Bertschi Group