Salzgitter and Zelestra Sign Hybrid Solar-Battery PPA in Germany
German steelmaker Salzgitter Flachstahl, a subsidiary of Salzgitter AG (SZG.DE), has signed its first hybrid solar-plus-battery storage power purchase agreement with renewable energy firm Zelestra. The long-term contract will supply green electricity for low-carbon steel production and includes two new facilities in Brandenburg and Thuringia providing 147MW of solar capacity and 237MWh of battery storage. The deal marks a significant step toward Salzgitter's decarbonization goals, allowing the company to align its energy consumption with renewable supply. Zelestra will construct, own, and operate both plants while Salzgitter Flachstahl acquires the electricity generated (158GWh annually) and controls battery operations. The batteries are charged exclusively from surplus solar generation. Zelestra is expanding rapidly in Germany's renewables market with over 2GW of projects underway across multiple sectors, including this largest hybrid deal to date.
Topics: battery storage decarbonization green steel production renewable energy solar power