Halle shines: photovoltaic project nominated for environmental prize!

Halle shines: photovoltaic project nominated for environmental prize!

An innovative project from Halle managed to fight its way into the top five of a total of 52 entries submitted. The “photovoltaic systems on passenger shelters”, which were implemented in cooperation with regstrom e.V. and HAVAG, were nominated for the 2025 Environmental Prize of the Environment, Nature and Climate Protection Foundation of the State of Saxony-Anhalt (SUNK). This project not only represents progress, but also a common goal: climate protection.

The environmental prize has been awarded for almost 30 years and honors exemplary projects that make a positive contribution to environmental and climate protection. This year the motto of the award is “For climate protection!”, and the jury is particularly pleased with the innovative implementation of the project, which actively contributes to the municipal energy transition. Prizes are given by Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, the Minister for Science, Energy, Climate Protection and the Environment, which represents a special honor for the initiators. According to Halle Life, Ingo Englich, the chairman of regstrom, was visibly pleased with the nomination and sees it as recognition for the climate protection ideas in Halle (Saale).

Sustainability in focus

A total of five passenger shelters were equipped with the latest solar technology. The first systems began operation in 2022 at the BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost and Wörmlitz stops. In 2023, three additional systems were set up at the Diesterweg, Huttenstrasse and Louise-Otto-Peters-Strasse stops. With this technology, the photovoltaic systems generate around 1,500 kWh of renewable electricity annually, which corresponds to a saving of around 3.17 tons of CO₂ per year. This is what active climate protection looks like!

The installed BIPV modules, which serve as roofing and power source, are considered a technical highlight. The electricity produced is used directly at the stops, for example for passenger information and LED lighting. Erhard Krüger, infrastructure manager at HAVAG, emphasizes the significant contribution of this project to creating a more sustainable city, which Halle Spektrum also highlights.

Environmental prizes for many

The honorable nomination is a step in the right direction, according to Englich and Krüger. The 2025 Environmental Prize, for which nomination is one of many options, will distribute a total of 30,000 euros, which will be divided among different winners. In addition, a special prize is awarded by the Saxony-Anhalt Tourism Association to honor projects that combine environmental, nature and climate protection with tourism.

The application deadline for the environmental award ended on April 27, 2025, and not only institutions and associations, but also private individuals are invited to participate. In addition, an environmental honorary award is given, which recognizes long-term commitment to environmental, nature and climate protection - here too, it is necessary for third parties to make a recommendation. This confirms the appreciation and broad interest in sustainable projects in Saxony-Anhalt, as can be read on the SUNK website.

Overall, this project shows that innovative ideas and the will to change can have a major impact on our environment, even today. Halle shows that modernity and sustainability can go hand in hand.