Wind and Sun for Tire Production in Korbach: Continental to Build Its First Wind Farm
- Wind-energy and photovoltaic systems will cover around two-thirds of the tire plant’s electricity demand in the future
- Planned investment in the mid-double-digit million-euro range
- Construction scheduled to begin in 2026
- Dr. Bernhard Trilken, head of Manufacturing & Logistics in Continental’s Tires group sector: ““Having our own wind turbines near the plant will give us more predictable energy costs and reduce our exposure to volatile energy marketsWe are reducing our dependence on volatile energy markets while strengthening the competitiveness of our tire production in Germany”
Hanover/Korbach, Germany, July 2, 2026. Continental has decided to build its first company-owned wind farm near its tire plant in Korbach, in the municipality of Twistetal (Hesse, Germany). It will supply electricity to the tire plant in Korbach (Hesse), which is about eight kilometers away. With this project, the tire manufacturer is diversifying its energy supply, accelerating its transition to renewable energy, improving the plant’s cost competitiveness and reducing its dependence on energy markets.
Together with existing photovoltaic systems, the three planned wind turbines will cover around two-thirds of the tire plant’s electricity demand. The turbines can generate around 55 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year – enough to supply around 15,000 households, based on average annual consumption of around 3,500 kilowatt-hours. Continental plans to invest a mid-double-digit million-euro amount in the project. All required permits have already been obtained. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with commissioning planned for approximately a year and a half later.
“Having our own wind turbines near the plant will give us more predictable energy costs and reduce our exposure to volatile energy markets – key factors for competitive tire production in Germany. This is fully aligned with our global strategy to expand our own renewable energy generation and will serve as a blueprint for other sites worldwide,” said Dr. Bernhard Trilken, head of Manufacturing & Logistics in Continental’s Tires group sector.
Self-generated electricity for tire production
Tire manufacturing requires a considerable amount of electricity for processes such as mixing raw rubber materials and shaping components in extrusion. The planned wind farm in Twistetal, near Korbach, will help cover a larger share of the plant’s electricity demand with renewable energy generated close to the site. The electricity produced will be used directly in tire production. The project complements the plant’s existing energy infrastructure and enables greater use of locally generated renewable energy. At the same time, the existing infrastructure ensures reliable operations at all times, even when the availability of wind and solar energy fluctuates. Continental’s Korbach tire plant produces tires for passenger cars, motorcycles, bicycles and industrial applications, employing around 2,400 people.
The Nordex N175/6.X wind turbines have a hub height of 179 meters and a rotor diameter of 175 meters. With a total height of 267 meters, they are among the most powerful onshore turbines, harnessing strong winds at higher elevations.
Korbach as a pilot project for developing energy infrastructure
With the Korbach project, Continental is advancing the expansion of its own energy generation, with similar initiatives set to be rolled out worldwide. The ambition is to create a flexible, competitive energy supply and to further increase the share of renewable energy – ideally generated close to each site.
The company is continuously assessing the suitability of its tires plants worldwide for similar projects. Factors under consideration include local wind and solar conditions, regulatory frameworks, storage solutions, integration with existing reliable energy sources and overall economic feasibility. In addition, Continental continues to rely on long-term energy purchase agreements.
“The wind farm will bring major benefits to our location. It will help us cover a significant share of our electricity needs in Korbach with our own renewable sources at competitive and more predictable costs. The electricity generated will be used directly in tire production, including in mixers and extruders,” said Klaus Ohlwein, head of the Continental tire plant in Korbach. “The project is an important step in our sustainability activities at the site and demonstrates how industrial competitiveness and sustainable energy use can be effectively combined in Germany.”
Progress in reducing energy-related emissions
Since 2020, Continental has covered its global purchased electricity demand with renewable energy, using long-term renewable supply contracts and on-site generation. In addition, the tire manufacturer has reduced absolute GHG emissions (CO₂e) in tire production by approximately 180,000 metric tons over the past four years by switching to lower-emission energy sources. At the start of 2026, Continental reached another milestone. It completely phased out the use of coal and heavy fuel oil at all production sites. Since then, all tire plants have been using alternative energy sources to generate the steam required for tire production and for heating purposes. These primarily include electricity from renewable sources, biomass and biogas, as well as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas to ensure a reliable energy supply.
