BUSINESS: 338 PRACTICES
With over 40 years of operation, “Maillis Metals Solutions” is a major player in the European steel strapping business with the largest Vertical Integrated manufacturing facility in Europe. Offering a comprehensive product portfolio along with engineering support, we cover a wide spectrum of application requirements in more than 1200 customers worldwide.
https://www.maillis.com/en/brands/maillis-metals-solutions
M.J. MAILLIS SINGLE MEMBER S.A. is one of the top steel strap producers in the world. Steel strap is considered one of the most sustainable products in packaging as it can be 100% recycled. The use of steel scrap reduces the consumptions of mineral and energy resources for extracting iron from the ore in a great extent.
With the aim of producing new, more environmentally friendly products, our company proceeded with the installation of a 1 MW photovoltaic plant in order to produce and use electricity from renewable sources.
The program is addressed to the company's employees but mainly to external stakeholders (customers, partners, local community, audit authorities) and confirms the company's commitment to strengthen its competitiveness through the production of sustainable products while simultaneously protecting the environment and saving natural resources.
The duration for study and installation of photovoltaic park at the factory premises was six (6) months.
Renewable energy sources are alternatives to fossil fuels and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, diversifying the energy supply and reducing dependence on unreliable and volatile fossil fuel markets, particularly oil and natural gas.
EU legislation to promote renewable energy has evolved significantly over the past 15 years. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the energy crisis that followed, the EU agreed to rapidly reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels before 2030, accelerating the transition to clean energy.
Our company “M.J. Maillis Single Member S.A.” taking into account the decisions of the EU, the recent energy crisis and having a strong sense of responsibility towards people and the environment decided to proceed with the investment of installing a photovoltaic plant with a total maximum power of 999.54 kWp, energy compensation (Net Metering type) on the roofs of the factory.
For the project were installed 1,851 LR5-72HBD monocrystalline silicon PV panels with a power of 540 Wp each. The project is expected to generate 1440000kwh per year. The inverters used come from a company that ranks among the first companies in Inverter sales with certified partners in Greece with immediate response to technical support. The mounting system of the PV panels on the industrial roof that was used, was made of a highly resistant aluminum alloy, offering robustness and resistance over time.
The implementation of the project was done with respect for the environment, observing the National Legislation regarding the protection measures and the Health & Safety rules that apply in the project area and specifically for working at height. Workers followed all instructions and personal protection measures, received training before the project on the requirements it presents, and a safety technician with similar experience was put in charge.
The performance and operation of the Photovoltaic Station is monitored through an electronic platform which informs about its daily and overall annual energy efficiency, for the saving of fossil fuels and the avoidance of carbon dioxide emissions caused by its operation.
More specifically, from November 2022, when the operation of the PV station began, until today, the measurements are presented below.
Fossil fuel savings: 185 TN
Reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions: 220 TN
Steel strap production factory at Inofyta Viotias, Greece.
Our company assigned to an external partner the design and analytical study for the selection of electrical equipment to minimize losses and at the same time ensured the provision of the best economic and technical solution by observing all national and international standards of requirements for electrical installations.
The collaboration between the companies was impeccable ensuring the success of the project completion.
The Electricians of the Technical Department as well as the Health & Safety Engineers from both companies participated in the implementation of the program.
Improving competitiveness through the production of products with a low carbon footprint, less than 0.38 t CO2 / t product, and with lower energy costs.
Since November 2022, when the operation of the PV plant began, until today 24000 TN of steel banding tape have been produced with reduced electricity by 460 MWh, with a corresponding cost reduction of €50000.
In total, the PV park is expected to cover 6% of the factory's annual needs.
