Resource use and the circular economy

Luftaufnahme einer Baustelle mit einem großen Transformator mit Amprion-Logo auf einem Schwerlasttransporter, umgeben von Baufahrzeugen und Arbeitenden in Schutzausrüstung.

Amprion requires large quantities of materials such as steel, aluminium, copper and plastics for grid expansion. From the outset, we have focused on resource efficiency and deliberately use durable materials. Over the past two years, an interdisciplinary working group has analysed our input and output flows, prioritising key materials that we track specifically: Steel is primarily used for pylons, conductor cables and transformers. Aluminium is the main conductor material for overhead lines and underground cables. Copper is used particularly in transformers and underground cables due to its conductivity. Plastic serves as an insulation, protective and housing material, particularly in underground cables. Insulating oil is used, amongst other things, in transformers for electrical insulation and cooling, whilst SF₆ is used as an insulating gas in gas-insulated switchgear.
This analysis forms the basis for our circular economy strategy, which we are developing through to 2028.

Resource inflow

Resource inflow

Key materials Unit 2025
Total weight t 32,601
Steel
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		27,319
93
Aluminium
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		1,991
0
Copper
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		2,078
50
Plastic
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		771
0
Insulating oil
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		439
0
SF6
of which recycled materials 		t
% 		3
100

Explanation of metrics
Data collection is based on internal systems, supplier-specific data and external industry averages as a basis for estimates. For conductor cables, pylons, transformers and underground cables, the relevant key materials (steel, aluminium, copper, plastics, insulating oil) are accounted for on a weight basis. Where available, recycled content is requested from the supplier or assumed as average values. For the average values, reliable industry sources are used, such as data from the International Copper Association or the PW Consulting Information & Electronics Research Centre. No reliable data is currently available for aluminium, insulating oil and plastics; therefore, a recycled content of 0 per cent has been assumed for each.

Waste

In our use of resources, we ensure the careful handling of recyclable materials. Where possible, we avoid waste or promote its recovery. We collect all unavoidable waste separately and dispose of it in accordance with legal requirements. In a central waste inventory, we record waste management data such as the type, quantity and destination of waste and evaluate this regularly. In doing so, we ensure full transparency, particularly vis-à-vis the authorities.

Measures for the proper disposal of hazardous waste

Amprion has a comprehensive system in place to dispose of hazardous waste in a manner that complies with the law and is environmentally sound. At all sites, hazardous waste is collected separately in the prescribed, clearly labelled containers. Certified specialist waste management companies are commissioned for all disposal services; these are regularly audited and, where subcontractors are used, must also provide evidence of the relevant certifications. In the case of project-related or one-off disposal requirements, a targeted pre-qualification process is carried out prior to awarding the contract, during which the service providers’ suitability, disposal routes and evidence of qualifications are assessed. For insulating oil and SF₆, Amprion has established processes which, due to their high quality in line with the waste hierarchy, make a direct contribution to resource conservation: SF₆, for example, is extracted prior to dismantling, recycled internally and only sent for thermal disposal in exceptional cases. Used insulating oil is handed over to specialist companies. There, the insulating oil is reprocessed into oil as good as new and returned to the material cycle.

Initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste

Amprion has initiatives in place to reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste. Reduction is achieved, for example, through targeted maintenance and the extension of the service life of assets such as transformers and converters, or by minimising the volume of excavated soil and backfill during construction work. Reuse is practised, for example, with converters, which are inspected, repaired and reused after dismantling. To ensure effective recycling of waste, recyclable materials such as metals, cables and overhead line cables are sorted by type and sent for material recovery by specialist waste management companies. Electrical equipment such as transformers and circuit breakers is also sent for material recovery.

Monitoring of solid waste and verification

Amprion centrally monitors its own site-specific waste streams via a waste management system by verifying the relevant documentation. Hazardous waste is also taken into account in this process. Data on project-related waste disposal is predominantly collected separately by external construction service providers and made available for the overall reporting. Trends in volumes, including the breakdown into hazardous and non-hazardous waste, are reported annually. The monitoring and disposal processes are integrated into the ISO 14001 environmental management system, the effectiveness of which is regularly audited both internally and externally.

Amount of waste

Waste Unit 2025 2024
Total t 82,915 9,432
Non-hazardous Waste t 74,312 5,622
Hazardous waste t 8,603 3,810
Recovery % 88.8 84.7
Disposal % 11.2 15.3

Explanation of metrics
The waste data are provisional figures, as not all data were available at the time of publication. These figures are adjusted in the following year on the basis of subsequently reported data. No projections of waste data are made at the time of reporting due to high estimation uncertainties relating to waste from construction activities and limited historical data. The significant deviation in the total waste volume compared with the previous year is primarily attributable to improved data reporting and an increase in construction activity.