BIRN Group continues to phase out natural gas
BIRN Group continues to phase out natural gas
The BIRN Group has set a clear direction for the phasing out of natural gas in the Group’s activities. The goal is to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in its own processes by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040 – including for purchased materials. Developments in recent years show the Group is well on its way.
At BIRN in Holstebro, where natural gas is primarily used for comfort heating, consumption has already been significantly reduced. Over the past three years, natural gas consumption has halved as a direct result of targeted investments and a systematic approach to energy efficiency.
The work to reduce consumption continues and investments are made on an ongoing basis in solutions that, in the long term, can make the Group independent of natural gas. Some initiatives require further technological maturity as well as close cooperation with both suppliers and customers, but the ambition remains unchanged and concrete steps are taken every year in a clear and long-term direction towards full phasing out of natural gas.
Optimisation of energy consumption and heat recovery
Since 2022, BIRN in Holstebro has progressively phased in heat recovery systems that make it possible to utilise the surplus heat from casting production for heating offices and
shower facilities. Today, four heat recovery plants have been installed, and in 2025, additional investments were made with a focus on recycling even more of the heat produced.
ULDALL, which uses district heating rather than natural gas, also installed a heat recovery system in 2025 to reduce heat consumption.
Several of BIRN’s other companies have introduced similar initiatives:
At TASSO Bernareggi, natural gas is only used to a limited extent for burners, while TASSO is replacing heating oil with natural gas mixed with oxygen, which shortens the warm-up time and reduces energy consumption. The company also uses natural gas for heat treatment of goods.
BIRN Germany has installed new gas heating which contributes to reducing total energy consumption.
Overall, these initiatives show how BIRN is working purposefully to reduce fossil fuels, optimise energy consumption and promote sustainability across the Group.
Further investments on the way
In the summer of 2026, BIRN in Holstebro expects to make another major investment in heat recovery, which could further reduce natural gas consumption by around a third. When the potential for heat recovery is fully exploited, the next step is to convert the existing heating plant from a natural gas boiler to an electric boiler.
At the same time, the Group is working on a long-term plan which phases out natural
gas in its own processes by 2030 as a key milestone on the road to net zero by 2040 – a focus area which is shared across BIRN Group.