MaGeno-Solar eG, an employee-led cooperative formed by active and retired KHS personnel, has won the GenoAward in the Best Newcomer category for its exemplary contribution to climate protection, social responsibility and economic innovation. The award, jointly presented by Genoverband e.V. and the F.A.Z. Institute, recognises cooperatives that successfully tackle key societal and environmental challenges. MaGeno-Solar stood out among 80 entrants from across Germany, becoming one of just five award recipients.

The cooperative was celebrated for its practical, scalable approach to renewable energy development. Under MaGeno-Solar’s model, employees invest in photovoltaic systems installed on the roofs of KHS production facilities. KHS then leases the systems for a fixed annual fee, using the solar power generated directly at its sites. This approach enables the company to procure green electricity below market rates while simultaneously reducing its operational carbon emissions – supporting its long-term goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

Two solar systems are already operational at KHS locations in Dortmund and Bad Kreuznach, with a third due to come online in Worms by the end of 2025. Cooperative members benefit through dividend distributions financed by KHS’s leasing payments, creating what jury member Marco Schulz described as a “win/win/win situation – for the company, its staff and the protection of the climate.”

The initiative not only avoids the need for additional land use – by utilising existing roof space – but also eases pressure on local power grids, as most of the generated electricity is consumed on site. “We want to do something ourselves for climate protection and help our employer overcome bureaucratic hurdles,” said Bernd Molitor, chairman of MaGeno-Solar, who accepted the €2,500 prize on behalf of the cooperative.

With around 200 members and €700,000 already invested, MaGeno-Solar eG exemplifies how employee-driven innovation can deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits.