In a move to help vehicle manufacturers meet ambitious climate targets, Durr has introduced the EcoQPower system in its paint shops, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. A comprehensive life cycle analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) revealed that Durr’s EcoQPower-enabled paint shop reduces carbon emissions by 19.2% over its entire life cycle and cuts energy consumption by approximately 21% during the utilisation phase. This innovation positions it as the first paint shop to meet EU Taxonomy requirements.
Energy-Intensive Paint Shops
Paint shops are known for their high energy consumption, particularly during the painting and drying processes. Despite advancements, the carbon footprint of modern paint shops remains substantial. Durr’s EcoQPower system represents a strategic shift from improving individual components to optimizing the entire energy network within the paint shop. The system analyzes and networks all energy flows, systematically recovering and reusing energy.
Verified Sustainability
To verify the EcoQPower system’s sustainability, Durr collaborated with the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics. The institute’s study simulated and calculated the carbon footprint of two identical all-electric factories, one with and one without the EcoQPower system. The study found that the EcoQPower system reduces the carbon footprint by 19.2% over the entire life cycle, primarily by reducing energy consumption during the utilization phase by 20.6%.
Energy and Cost Efficiency
EcoQPower’s concept ensures that each manufacturing area receives the appropriate energy and temperature levels it needs, integrating all waste heat sources and reusing low-temperature energy. Heat pumps generate heating and cooling energy simultaneously, leveraging synergies from the processes. This approach leads to a 21% increase in energy efficiency compared to modern standard systems, potentially saving operators millions in energy costs over 15 years.
Compliance with EU Taxonomy
The EcoQPower system aligns with the EU Taxonomy, part of the Green Deal aimed at making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The taxonomy provides a transparent classification of sustainable investments, ensuring that financial resources support climate and environmental protection projects.
Commitment to Sustainable Production
“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for companies in the manufacturing sector. We help our customers make their production processes as energy-efficient as possible to achieve their decarbonization targets,” said Jens Oliver Reiner, Senior Vice President Sales in the Paint and Final Assembly division at Durr. The EcoQPower system not only supports sustainable production but also provides long-term advantages for sourcing funding in Europe.
Durr’s EcoQPower system represents a significant advancement in making paint shops more sustainable by reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. By integrating all energy flows and systematically reusing energy, Durr is helping vehicle manufacturers meet their climate targets and comply with EU Taxonomy requirements.