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Hydroelectric and photovoltaic, thus Beltrame cuts costs

Energy is the second largest cost factor for AFV Beltrame Group, right after ferrous scrap. And since Italy has the highest electricity Single National Price (Pun) in Europe, well over EUR 100 per MWh, in recent years the group has boosted procurement from renewables through targeted strategies, including the acquisition of hydroelectric power plants, direct investments in the sector, and the signing of PPA contracts with photovoltaic plants.

"Even in Switzerland and Romania, the cost of energy is among the highest in Europe," explained Gianmaria Zanni, Group Energy COO. "In fact, these two countries not only do not offer competitive market prices, but also do not provide tariff concessions for energy users. For this reason, we have installed two photovoltaic plants for direct self-consumption on the roofs of the Swiss steelworks, while in France and Romania we are studying projects to be implemented by 2030".

Read here the full interview by Federico Piazza in Il Nord Est, where CEO Raffaele Ruella explained: "Within a structured strategic plan, the goal is an increasing #energyefficiency of our plants and production processes. This will allow us, on the one hand, to obtain additional security and protection from market fluctuations, and on the other hand, to continue production from renewable sources, also helping to reduce the environmental impact towards a more sustainable production model".

"Currently, Beltrame owns twelve hydroelectric power plants located in Veneto and Piedmont, 90% of which produce energy for steel production," Zanni continued, "recounting how it was founder Antonio Beltrame who started the rationalisation process back in the 1930s".