Schaeffler Launches New Photovoltaic Installation System

Schaeffler recently unveiled a new large-scale photovoltaic (PV) installation system at its manufacturing plant in Dong Nai in June 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company's sustainability journey and its global decarbonization strategy.

The installation is one of several initiatives Schaeffler is implementing to align with the Paris Agreement's climate goals, highlighting the company’s commitment to applying advanced technologies that drive decarbonization and enhance operational sustainability in Vietnam's manufacturing sector.

Photovoltaic (PV) installation system at Schaeffler’s manufacturing plant in Dong Nai

Photovoltaic installation enhances renewable energy use at Dong Nai plant

Spanning more than 10,000 square meters, the PV system of Schaeffler Vietnam has an installed capacity of approximately 2.12 MWp and generates approximately 2,714 MWh of electricity per year. The renewable electricity enables Schaeffler to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,840 tons annually.

The large-scale solar rooftop system delivers dual advantages. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon footprint reduction and energy resilience. By providing a steady supply of renewable electricity, the system strengthens Schaeffler’s long-term operational efficiency.

The solar rooftop system contributes to carbon footprint reduction and energy resilience, with a steady supply of renewable electricity

Energy-saving initiatives such as the solar rooftop system are essential to driving sustainability across Schaeffler Group’s operations, which is one of the four key components of its corporate strategy. By generating renewable energy that emits little to no greenhouse gases, Schaeffler reinforces its commitment to the Paris Agreement, supporting its overarching goal of limiting future global temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Accelerating decarbonization through energy efficiency

The photovoltaic installation at the Dong Nai plant demonstrates how renewables can be adopted to accelerate the shift to cleaner energy. Alongside renewable energy adoption, Schaeffler is also advancing a broader set of decarbonization measures focused on improving energy efficiency across its operations.

Under the Energy Efficiency Program (EEP), the company has implemented a wide range of initiatives at its manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Since 2021, Schaeffler has installed solar lights, adding inverters to filter pumps, installing motion detectors for automatic lighting to minimize unnecessary illumination in non-operational areas, optimizing the heat dissipation systems for production machinery, improving the AHU (Air Handling Unit) system in the canteen, enhancing insulation, and replacing cleaning chemicals used in the Furnace Heat Treatment. These solutions have saved approximately 550 MWh of electricity at the plant per year.

Since 2021, Schaeffler has implemented a wide range of initiatives at its manufacturing plant in Vietnam, saving approximately 550 MWh of electricity at the plant per year

Water efficiency has been another area of focus. Since 2022, the plant has repurposed filtered water from the water purification system for equipment cleaning, upgraded fixtures in restrooms and canteen with water-efficient models, and recycled condensate water from air handling units for cleaning and gardening. These measures have saved 4,014m³ of water per year.

Beyond the implementation of technical measures, Schaeffler also promotes energy-saving awareness and capability-building across its workforce. The company regularly organizes plant-level Energy Efficiency workshops for employees and partners to identify opportunities and develop new measures to reduce energy use across operations.

Schaeffler fosters energy-saving awareness and develops employee capabilities throughout its workforce

In addition to operational improvements, Schaeffler is advancing decarbonization across its supply chain. The company has outlined approaches for reducing emissions among its business partners and sources power from renewable energy, as certified through its Renewable Energy Certificate (REC).

These sustainable initiatives also align with Vietnam’s ambitious journey toward Net Zero by 2050. Following the adoption of Resolution 70-NQ/TW by the Politburo, Vietnam has committed to ensuring adequate energy supply, modernizing the power grid, and accelerating renewable energy adoption by 2030, positioning the country as a sustainable leader in the global energy sector transition.

“We are committed to aligning our operations with Vietnam’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. Our investments in renewable energy, including the photovoltaic installation at our Dong Nai plant, are part of our strategy to move toward climate-neutral production and a more sustainable value chain. These efforts aim to deliver long-term benefits for the community, the environment, and future generations”, said Mr. Zhang Ying, Plant Manager of Schaeffler.

By Vietnam Business Forum