Continental will build its first wind farm

Continental has announced it will build its own wind farm for the first time, to be located in Hesse, Germany, and supply energy to the tire plant in Korbach. 

"Installing our own wind turbines near the plant will make energy costs more predictable and reduce our dependence on volatile energy markets, which is a key factor in ensuring the competitiveness of tire production in Germany," said Bernhard Trilken, Head of Production and Logistics at Continental's Tires division. "This new project perfectly aligns with our global strategy of expanding renewable energy generation and will serve as a model for other facilities worldwide."

Together with the already installed solar panels, the three wind turbines are expected to cover around two-thirds of the plant's electricity needs. The wind farm will generate approximately 55 GWh of energy per year—enough to supply 15,000 households—with investments amounting to several hundred million euros. All necessary permits have already been obtained, and construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the wind farm planned to go into operation one and a half years later. 

Continental notes that tire manufacturing requires significant amounts of electricity, particularly for processes such as rubber mixing and component extrusion. The existing infrastructure at the Korbach site will allow the use of renewable energy sources while ensuring reliable supply regardless of weather conditions. The plant produces tires for passenger cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and industrial machinery, and employs 2,400 people. 

Continental has been using renewable energy sources since 2020, and over the past four years has reduced greenhouse gas emissions (CO2e) by 180,000 tons. In addition, at the beginning of 2026, Continental completely phased out the use of coal and fuel oil, and all of the company’s tire plants now use alternative energy sources to generate the steam required for both production and heating.