Crop Energies acquires stake in start-up East Energy

The start-up builds photovoltaic systems in north-east Germany and uses them to generate green electricity and hydrogen. Crop Energies is now acquiring 25 percent of the company.

Crop Energies AG is acquiring a stake in the start-up East Energy from Rostock. Crop Energies is acquiring 25 percent of the company's share capital and intends to provide cash contributions and shareholder loans. Both companies are active in the field of renewable energies.

Founded in 2020, the start-up East Energy operates solar parks in north-eastern Germany under the "Sun2Grid" brand. The electricity generated is used to produce green hydrogen, renewable fuels and heat. By generating energy locally, the start-up aims to contribute to becoming independent of fossil fuels and decoupling energy prices from the global market.

For Crop Energies, the investment in East Energy is a step towards implementing its strategic realignment. To date, the company has mainly produced renewable ethanol as well as food and animal feed products. In future, the company also intends to invest more in the defossilization of mobility and industry. "Access to climate-neutral energy is of great strategic importance for CropEnergies," says Stephan Meeder, CEO of Crop Energies. "With the joint construction of photovoltaic and methanol capacities, we can make an important contribution to energy independence in Germany."