DEG commissions new photovoltaic system at its Cologne site

DEG promotes the expansion of renewable energy and development of sustainable solutions worldwide – including at its Cologne site, with DEG recently having brought into operation a new photovoltaic system topping the roof of its main building in the heart of the city, replacing an older system from 2008.

Through its 138 modules, with a total output of 61 kilowatt peak (kWp), the new installation allows DEG to generate electricity for self-consumption, while the additional system on the roof of the neighbouring building adds to that an output of 10 kWp. With Cologne experiencing on average 900 hours of sunshine per year, this results in an expected annual yield of around 58,000 kilowatt hours (kWh), enough to supply, for example, around 80% of the electricity needed to run DEG’s kitchen, where fresh meals are prepared for staff on weekdays. Outside of DEG’s regular operating hours, the electricity generated is fully utilised by base load consumers such as DEG’s data centre and cooling and heating systems.

“The new photovoltaic system is the next step in our endeavours to optimise our buildings, our main focus being on the efficient and sustainable operation of our infrastructure,” says Markus Rumens, head of Workplace & Mobility Services at DEG.

By generating electricity from solar energy, DEG intends to reduce its reliance on external power supplies as well as cut down its emissions. In 2025 alone, the new system resulted in around 12,000 kilograms of CO₂ emission savings.

Worldwide, DEG-financed renewable energy projects generated around 34 terawatt hours of green electricity in 2024 – enough to supply power to over 49 million people. The expansion of the company’s system in Cologne underlines its efforts to further conserve resources and enhance energy efficiency at its own location.