READING, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EnerSys (NYSE: ENS), the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, has been awarded the Better Project Award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Better Plants Program for implementation of the Sovema Cold Cube cutting system. This award is the second award that EnerSys has received in two years from the DOE, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and innovation within the manufacturing industry.
As a member of the Better Plants Program since 2021, EnerSys has continuously strived to enhance energy productivity, setting ambitious commitments with the Department of Energy to improve energy intensity by 25% by 2031.
The Sovema Cold Cube cutting system is a revolutionary advancement in lead battery manufacturing, eliminating the need for traditional energy-intensive lead heating, melting, and cooling processes. Instead, this innovative system utilizes a cold process to trim lead into cubes of necessary thickness directly from its solid state. By replacing the conventional gas fire process, EnerSys has significantly enhanced its sustainability efforts, simultaneously improving energy intensity and water intensity while prioritizing the safety and health of its employees.
Key benefits of the Cold Cube cutting system include:
- Reduction in Embedded Scope 1 Carbon Emissions: EnerSys has achieved a substantial reduction of approximately 0.5 kilograms CO2e per battery produced, equating to a ~20% decrease in embedded Scope 1 emissions per battery.
- Enhanced Worker Safety: The new process significantly reduces workers' exposure to lead in the work environment, mitigating potential health risks associated with traditional manufacturing methods.
- Water Conservation: EnerSys saves approximately 495,000 gallons of water per year at each site that uses the Cold Cube cutting system by eliminating the need for water cooling in the cube production process, contributing to water conservation efforts.
- Environmental Impact: By eliminating the need for exhaust ventilation to remove lead fumes and the lead recovery process, EnerSys has reduced permitted environmental lead emissions to the atmosphere, while also decreasing lead waste by approximately 20,000 kilograms per year and saving approximately $15,000 annually.
Furthermore, the Cold Cube cutting system is replicable and being implemented at other EnerSys manufacturing facilities, extending its positive impact beyond its initial deployment.
Patrice Baumann, Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer at EnerSys, commented, "Receiving the Department of Energy's Better Project Award is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. The Cold Cube cutting system exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in energy-efficient manufacturing while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our employees."
EnerSys remains steadfast in its mission to drive sustainable change within the industry, and the Cold Cube cutting system stands as a shining example of its ongoing efforts to lead by example and create a better, more sustainable future.
About EnerSys
EnerSys is the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications and designs, manufactures and distributes energy systems solutions and motive power batteries, specialty batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. The company goes to market through four lines of business: Energy Systems, Motive Power, Specialty and New Ventures. Energy Systems, which combine power conversion, power distribution, energy storage, and enclosures, are used in the telecommunication, broadband and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other industrial electric powered vehicles. Specialty batteries are used in aerospace and defense applications, large over-the-road trucks, premium automotive, medical and security systems applications. New Ventures provides energy storage and management systems for various applications including demand charge reduction, utility back-up power, and dynamic fast charging for electric vehicles. EnerSys also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers in over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world. More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.
Sustainability
Sustainability at EnerSys is about more than just the benefits and impacts of our products. Our commitment to sustainability encompasses many important environmental, social and governance issues. Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we manage our own operations. Minimizing our environmental footprint is a priority. Sustainability is our commitment to our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. Our products facilitate positive environmental, social and economic impacts around the world. To learn more visit: https://www.enersys.com/en/about-us/sustainability/.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release, and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release, contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or the Reform Act, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding EnerSys’ projections, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions to reduce emissions and emissions intensity, ability to influence, control and change the environmental impact of its business activities, the development of future technologies, business plans, and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements identified by words such as “believe,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will,” and similar expressions. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that EnerSys expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to the Company’s goals of achieving Scope 1 greenhouse gas neutrality by 2040 and Scope 2 neutrality by 2050 and ability to influence emissions related to its activities, as well as statements expressing optimism or pessimism about such plans are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. The forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by EnerSys on its website or otherwise. EnerSys does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Although EnerSys does not make forward-looking statements unless it believes it has a reasonable basis for doing so, EnerSys cannot guarantee their accuracy. The foregoing factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. For a list of other factors which could affect EnerSys’ results, including earnings estimates, see EnerSys’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Forward-Looking Statements,” set forth in EnerSys’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. No undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements.
