As a first step toward implementing the roadmap, the current status of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at the Hünxe site is being systematically collected and analyzed. Building on this, Fraunhofer UMSICHT is developing an action plan that takes a comprehensive view of energy efficiency potential, the use of renewable energy, the electrification of processes and vehicles, as well as storage and flexibility solutions. Particular attention is being paid to the optimal use of roof areas, settling basin, and wall surfaces for photovoltaics, as well as to load management and self-consumption concepts, in order to better align electricity production and consumption.

In addition to technical feasibility, the measures are also evaluated and prioritized from an economic perspective. Different development paths and scenarios make it possible to compare investments transparently and implement them in stages. The resulting transformation plan serves as a robust basis for decision-making for HDB on its path to climate neutrality, while also laying the groundwork for embedding the transformation strategy within the company on a long-term basis.

The project, funded by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) as part of the federal funding program for energy and resource efficiency in industry (EEW, Module 5), will run from March 2026 to March 2027. The results are transferable to comparable recycling and waste disposal sites and provide a practical approach to decarbonizing energy-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises.