September 7, 2026 Press Releases

Clarios Invests in Energy Efficiency Across European Operations and Strengthens Supply Reliability of the Automotive Market

Clarios invested €4M+ in EMEA energy-efficiency projects, saving 8M+ kWh annually and strengthening battery supply reliability.
Clarios EMEA Hanover Aerial View
  • Clarios invested more than EUR 4 million in energy-efficiency initiatives across its EMEA operations during fiscal year 2025.
  • The investments strengthen production reliability, competitiveness, and long-term supply security.
  • Projects at the company's facilities in Hanover, Zwickau, and Česká Lípa are delivering annual energy savings of more than 8 million kWh.

Hanover, Germany – September 7, 2026. Clarios, a global leader in low-voltage battery solutions and owner of the VARTA Automotive brand, invested more than EUR 4 million in energy-efficiency projects across its EMEA manufacturing network during fiscal year 2025. These investments support the company's competitive advantage while helping ensure a reliable supply of batteries to vehicle manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket.
This results in tangible advantages for Clarios' customers: Efficient energy consumption reduces the dependence on fluctuations in the energy markets and leads to greater production stability and long-term supply reliability for customers across Europe.

"For us, energy efficiency is more than a standalone sustainability initiative. It is a key component of securing the future of our business," said Dr. Werner Benade, President, Clarios EMEA. "Through targeted investments, we are reducing energy demand, strengthening the resilience of our production and creating the foundation for a reliable and competitive supply of the European automotive market."

 

Investments Deliver Measurable Results

Projects implemented in the plants in Hanover and Zwickau, Germany, as well as in Česká Lípa, Czech Republic, generated energy savings of more than 8 million kWh during the financial year 2025.

  • Waste heat recovery in Hanover: Clarios invested more than EUR 1.3 million in Hanover to implement the site's largest single energy-efficiency project. A newly installed heat recovery system captures previously unused waste heat from Barton reactors and mills and feeds it into the plant's internal heating network. The recovered energy is used to heat battery curing chambers. To further improve energy efficiency, Clarios invested an additional EUR 1.3 million in modernizing site equipment.

    Hanover Aerial view

  • Intelligent asset technology in Zwickau: Clarios invested a total of almost EUR 500,000 in energy recovery at its Zwickau plant. Recovered heat is now used to help warm the facility, reducing overall energy consumption. The project includes upgrades to process cooling and compressed-air systems, as well as the installation of a heat-recovery system for the site's ventilation infrastructure.

    Clarios EMEA Zwickau Aerial View

  • Modern lighting technology in Česká Lípa: Clarios invested nearly EUR 140,000 in energy-efficiency upgrades at its Česká Lípa plant. The project included improvements to heat-recovery system and the conversion of facility lighting to modern LED technology. The enhancements reduce electricity consumption while creating a brighter and more comfortable working environment for employees.

    Clarios EMEA Česká Lípa Aerial View

Clarios also relies on a largely closed-loop model in production: The company's lead-acid batteries are designed to be 100% recyclable, allowing valuable raw materials to be recovered and reintroduced into the production process. This approach helps conserve resources while supporting a more sustainable battery value chain.

 

Clarios at Automechanika 2026

At Automechanika Frankfurt, September 8-12, 2026, Clarios will showcase how advanced battery technologies, digital services, and circularity are shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket. Visitors will be able to explore the company's VARTA Automotive product portfolio – Clarios' leading brand in the EMEA region –, along with practical solutions designed to help independent workshops operate more efficiently and successfully.

 

About Clarios

Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility and owner of the VARTA brand in the automotive sector. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus – advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network.

 

For more information, please contact:

Claudia Bölter
Director Communications EMEA Clarios
Phone: (+49) 173 6598442 
claudia.boelter@clarios.com

 

Karolin Rau
Burson GmbH
Phone: (+49) 173 664 0032 
clarios@bursonglobal.com