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BMW has reached another major step in its mission to advance electric mobility, completing the Energy Centre at its new high-voltage battery assembly site in Irlbach and Straßkirchen, Lower Bavaria. This new facility acts as the core of the complex, supplying vital resources such as electricity, cooling, and compressed air for the upcoming production of BMW’s sixth-generation high-voltage batteries. Alongside it, a newly built fire station will support round-the-clock safety operations on-site.
The Energy Centre has been designed with efficiency and sustainability at its heart. It manages power distribution, heating, ventilation, and cooling across the plant, using smart control systems to optimise energy use in real time. Waste heat from the production process is recycled through high-capacity heat pumps to warm facilities such as the canteen and storage areas, demonstrating BMW’s commitment to resource efficiency. The site’s closed water system and extensive use of rainwater for non-potable functions further underline its environmentally responsible design.
Running entirely on renewable electricity, the plant will draw part of its power from a vast solar array covering more than 60,000 square metres of roof space — roughly the size of nine football pitches. Once installed, nearly 14,000 photovoltaic panels will deliver more than six megawatts of peak output each year. Additional power needs will be sourced exclusively from certified renewable energy providers, ensuring the facility operates without reliance on fossil fuels.
Connectivity and safety are also key aspects of the new site. A dedicated BMW fire service is already active, operating around the clock with modern equipment and experienced personnel drawn from across Bavaria. Meanwhile, an extensive network of fibre optic cables, radio antennas, and a purpose-built mast ensures full mobile coverage throughout the site, supporting both safety systems and digital operations.
The project’s swift progress has been aided by advanced digital construction methods. BMW utilised Building Information Modelling (BIM) to coordinate planning, construction, and future operations, allowing engineers to monitor every phase of development through real-time data and drone-assisted inspections. With the Energy Centre and fire station now complete, BMW moves closer to starting full-scale production of next-generation battery technology — a crucial step in shaping the brand’s electric future.
