Siemens presented at Congleton’s Net Zero business conference in 2023.
Siemens, a global manufacturing company which has had a factory based in Congleton for over 50 years, is leading the way with sustainability. The company achieved carbon net zero in 2022, eight years ahead of schedule.
In part, this is thanks to the collaboration with Dane Valley Community Energy Ltd (DVCE), which created and now operates Congleton Hydro.
Judith Wiese, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer and member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG said
“Sustainability is in our very DNA. It’s not an option. It’s a business imperative. Based on our successful track record, we’re now setting ourselves even more ambitious targets. We’ll accelerate our efforts and raise the bar to create considerably more value for all our stakeholders. Sustainable business growth goes hand in hand with the value we create for people and our planet.”
Sustainability is at the heart of everything Siemens does. As well as purchasing renewable energy from Congleton hydro they committed to:
By creating sustainable energy sources, the Siemens Factory in Congleton is now 80% energy-independent, protecting the business from brownouts and blackouts.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
Congleton Hydro is a great example of what can be achieved when stakeholders within a community join forces to tackle a global problem. Congleton Hydro is based just outside Congleton at Havannah village. It is a community-owned hydroelectric system which generates enough electricity to power around 60 homes.
Run entirely by volunteers and funded through a community share raise, the team raised over £700,000 from the local community, including 280 investors. As a non-profit company, all surplus profits will be reinvested back into the community via community grants for green projects. Grants are open for applications all year round, with the trustees meeting quarterly to review applications. Check the website for details.
The energy is sold directly to Siemens via an underground cable, generating a surplus profit of around £5000 per year.
Watch the installation of ‘Archie’ in the video and visit the website for more information.
Congleton Hydro may be a small project but it’s a small step in the right direction of a global problem that will affect everyone!
The Congleton Hydro Scheme generates “Clean Energy” and raises annual funds for Environmentally/Sustainability-based community projects. It also facilitates increased awareness of environmental and sustainability issues by the provision of an accessible Education Resource for local schools, colleges, and community groups.
The aim is to inspire ‘Green Champions’, it’s only through awareness and inspiring the next generation that lasting change will happen.
The opening of Havanah Primary School’s solar installation with Congleton MP Sarah Russell pictured above.
A new renewable energy initiative in Congleton!
Following the success of Congleton Hydro, the team behind it has secured grant funding to develop a brand-new renewable energy scheme.
This time, the goal will be to generate power from both hydro and solar sources. The hydro scheme will be located beside the weir near Congleton Park. The team will position solar arrays on the roofs of suitable private and public buildings around Cheshire and Staffordshire. Apart from generating carbon-free energy, the scheme will provide a focal point for promoting sustainability within the community and an educational resource.
Siemens is exploring the option of taking renewable energy from Park Hydro; unfortunately, land ownership issues have delayed the development of a second hydro plant. The team are working with Cheshire East council to resolve these issues while researching other potential sites on the River Dane.
Congleton Solar Achieves Funding
It was decided to push forward with the solar half of the scheme. Thanks to the overwhelming support from community investors and the backing of significant financial contributions, Congleton Solar exceeded the minimum fundraising target of £400,000, thanks to a substantial Key Fund loan and a grant amounting to £100,000 (Key Fund – a social investor who provides funding to community and social enterprises that have traditionally been excluded and turned down by mainstream lenders) Bolstering the pot, the CO-OP Booster Fund invested £60,000. The final total from community investors raised £317,950, plus £15,000 existing cash, the final total was £492,950.
This achievement was expected to facilitate the delivery of all 10 solar schemes outlined in the business plan. However, following the withdrawal of the principal customer, the full programme could not proceed as originally planned. The team is actively engaging with local schools and businesses to identify alternative opportunities for solar array installations and remains committed to completing the project. The installations delivered at Havannah Primary School, Astbury Golf Club and Daneside Theatre have been highly successful, demonstrating the positive impact and viability of the scheme.
Please contact for more information or to suggest any suitable premises – shares@congletonsolar.co.uk
