Saving greenhouse gases is in the DNA of the SGB-SMIT Group: as a partner of energy producers and distributors, we help to advance the energy transition. On the one hand, we do this with our specialized products - such as transformers for wind farms or distribution stations that are adapted to the fragmented energy feed-in (e.g. from small PV systems). On the other hand, we also ensure that the CO2 footprint of transformer production is continuously reduced throughout the Group. An example of this is electrical steel, which is manufactured with around 50% less CO2 intensity and which we are the first manufacturer to use. Another step to reduce our carbon footprint in manufacturing is the purchase of the new electric tractor that recently went into service on the premises of Group member Royal SMIT in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
This replaces the diesel truck with combustion engine, which was previously responsible for moving materials and transporting transformers on the plant site - for example, for the journey from production to the test field. In the process, the former vehicle accumulated about 20 kilometers per week, which means about 1,000 kilometers of "combustion engine trips" in 50 working weeks at Royal SMIT. On the one hand, this generated approx. 362 kg of CO2 per year* - but on the other hand, it represents such a low mileage that an internal combustion engine is out of place here, also because of the increased wear and inefficient use.
With the purchase of the new electric tractor, Royal SMIT gained several advantages at once:
- The total local CO2 emissions at the group site will be reduced.
- Likewise, the maintenance and repair work for the tractor will be reduced.
- The new electric tractor is designed for towing loads of up to 80 tons, has all-wheel drive and is equipped with 2-axle steering and low-maintenance oil multiple-disc brakes. This predestines it for in-house transformer transport.
Ecology meets economy: Royal SMIT shows that it is also the small adjusting screws that can make a big difference - here even in the literal sense. And the more of them that are adjusted across the Group, the better for the overall balance of the SGB-SMIT Group.
* at 363 g / km CO2-output; Source: https://www.co2emissiefactoren.nl/lijst-emissiefactoren/
