German pharmaceutical manufacturer B.Braun Indonesia has launched a 1.2 MWp solar power plant (PLTS) at its pharmaceutical factory in Karawang, West Java.
Rainer Ruppel, President Director of B.Braun Indonesia, said that the installation of solar panels aims to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent, equivalent to 346 tons of carbon emissions per year.
“This will provide about 20-30 percent of our energy needs, significantly reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and lowering CO2 emissions,” said Rainer during the PLTS operational inauguration at the B.Braun Plant on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
The PLTS can generate 1,673 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity per year, meeting approximately 20-30 percent of the electricity needs of the B.Braun Indonesia factory. Rainer also highlighted that the PLTS operation aligns with B.Braun’s global target to reduce CO2 emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
“In support of carbon reduction, the operation of this PLTS is in line with the government’s target to achieve a 23 percent share of new renewable energy in 2025 and Net Zero Emission by 2060,” he added. Rainer mentioned that the PLTS operation is the initial step in utilizing renewable energy and transitioning to energy supply at various assets, including production facilities.
In addition to the PLTS operation, B.Braun Indonesia has implemented an eco-friendly factory concept with the use of natural lighting and energy-efficient factory technology. The German-based company also utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the production of infusion fluids and plants trees around production facilities to improve air quality and reduce pollution. “Allow me to add that we plan to expand our production portfolio and become a stronger player in the Indonesian healthcare market in the future,” he concluded.
Despite this, the infusion fluid manufacturer has not disclosed specific details about the intended portfolio expansion. So far, B.Braun still imports some raw materials and medical equipment from Germany.
The B.Braun Karawang factory, established in 2017, is the company’s first factory built in Indonesia, covering an area of ​​19 hectares with an investment value exceeding IDR 1 trillion. The manufacturing facility has a production capacity of 15 million bottles per year, with 50 million bottles planned for the second phase.
Currently, B.Braun Indonesia produces Ecosol Ringer Lactate, Ecosol Sodium Chloride 0.9 percent, Ecosol Glucose 5 percent, Ecosol Glucose 10 percent, Ecosol Glucose 5 percent & Sodium Chloride 0.9 percent, Ecosol Water for Injection, and Sterofundin ISO.