Vetter’s Renewable Energy Path: Advanced Technologies and Regional Vision
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At Vetter, the transition towards renewable energy is progressing rapidly, combining advanced technologies and robust regional partnerships. Through its expanding photovoltaics and biomethane activities, the company demonstrates how environmental ambition, and operational feasibility can converge to achieve tangible sustainability outcomes.
A significant milestone in the company's sustainability strategy was reached in 2025 when the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) validated Vetter’s climate targets (see CDMO Insight: Why SBTi Validation Matters). To achieve these goals, Vetter is pursuing a diversified energy approach, including expanding renewable electricity production, transitioning to low-carbon heat sources, and adopting infrastructure-friendly alternatives, such as biomethane.
Photovoltaics: Clean Electricity and Renatured Spaces
Vetter is committed to generating renewable electricity and enhancing ecological value. At its Visual Inspection and Logistics site, the company currently produces around 2 million kWh of solar power per year from several photovoltaic (PV) installations. This accounts for around 22% of the site’s annual electricity needs, equivalent to powering hundreds of households.
However, Vetter’s PV strategy goes well beyond rooftop installations. One of its flagship projects involves transforming a formerly sealed parking area into an open-space PV field combined with a natural meadow. This innovative concept provides clean electricity and broader ecological benefits:
- Improved local microclimate through natural shading and cooling
- Enhanced renatured spaces by creating microhabitats
- Direct rainwater infiltration, which reduces runoff and eases pressure on sewage systems
These features demonstrate how renewable energy projects can support broader ecological goals.
From a technical perspective, PV systems offer particular advantages for pharmaceutical production, as electricity generation peaks on hot days - precisely when cooling systems are running at full capacity. Solar power directly offsets peak loads, thereby strengthening energy independence and reducing strain on the grid.
Looking ahead, Vetter plans to expand PV systems across all sites. The next systems are to be installed on the roof of the new parking garage at the company’s headquarters. This system will have an additional capacity of 540 kWh.
At Vetter, sustainability is more than a promise. It’s a mindset. A commitment. And above all, a strategic driver shaping how we power our operations today—and how we will shape the energy landscape of tomorrow.
Gabriel Fischer, Team Lead EHS & Environment Sustainability/Energy & Mgmt. Systems
Biomethane: A Regional Flagship Project for Sustainable Heat Supply
Although photovoltaics address electricity consumption, generating heat remains challenging in industrial operations. Since 2024, biomethane has been used as an additive to natural gas for process heat and steam generation.
In 2025, the company sourced 8.3 million kWh of biomethane, covering 11% of its natural gas demand and avoiding the emissions of over 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually — a significant step towards achieving a low-carbon heat supply without requiring new infrastructure.
From 2027 onwards, Vetter will enter into a strategic partnership with a regional biomethane provider to source biomethane directly and locally. As a pilot initiative within the regional grid association, this project sets an example for other industrial companies exploring sustainable heating alternatives. Key benefits include:
Full compatibility with existing natural gas infrastructure
Direct feed-in to nearby networks for high verifiability and traceability
Improved energy security through a decentralized regional supply
Direct pipeline connection to the Vetter’s Ravensburg South production site
By 2029, Vetter intents to increase its purchase of biomethane to 22 million kWh, further strengthening its position as a regional pioneer in renewable heat solutions.
A Renewable Future—Powered by Vision and Responsibility
Vetter’s renewable energy transformation shows how technical innovation, regional collaboration, and ecological awareness can make ambitious climate goals a reality. The expansion of photovoltaic systems and the pioneering biomethane partnership are key components of a broader sustainability strategy that is already yielding tangible results.
High-tech manufacturing and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through continued investment in renewable energy, Vetter is helping to shape a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Want to learn more about our sustainability measures?
Sustainability Report 2024
In our latest Sustainability Report for 2024, we take a transparent and detailed look at the measures and initiatives that we as a company are taking strategically to counteract climate change, protect the environment, uphold human rights and act in a socially sustainable manner.