Inside LEGO's Plans to Increase Solar Energy Capacity by 61%
The LEGO Group has increased its global solar energy capacity by 61% over the past two years as part of a wider initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The company now has solar panels installed at six of its manufacturing sites and plans to further expand its capacity by 72% by 2025.
Inside LEGO's energy strategy
In recent years, the Danish toy manufacturer has ramped up its investments renewable energy.
Since 2022, LEGO has added 22 MWp of solar energy capacity, with some of the most notable developments taking place in Czechia and Denmark.
In Kladno, Czechia, LEGO increased its renewable energy capacity by 150% in one fell swoop, focusing on onsite solar power generation.
“Expanding our renewable energy capacity at our factory is a key part of our commitment to minimising the environmental impact of our manufacturing activities and reducing our carbon footprint,” said Michaela T. Horáková, General Manager of the LEGO factory in Kladno, when the project was initially completed.
Despite these efforts, solar energy still only accounts for approximately 4% of LEGO’s total energy usage.
"We’re committed to reducing our overall energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy at our manufacturing sites around the world," says LEGO's COO, Carsten Rasmussen.
"I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in the last couple years, and we remain committed to identifying additional solutions that keep us progressing on this journey."
A sign of things to come
Looking ahead, LEGO has set ambitious targets for renewable energy expansion.
By the end of 2025, the company aims to add another 37.97MWp across its production sites, representing a 72% increase in its solar capacity.
One of the most significant developments is taking place in Nyíregyháza, Hungary, where LEGO plans to triple its existing solar capacity.
Installation work is already underway, with both ground and rooftop-mounted solar parks being developed to support the site’s energy needs.
In Vietnam, where LEGO is constructing a new factory set to open in 2025, more than 12,400 rooftop solar panels have already been installed.
This will provide the site with a total capacity of approximately 7.34MWp. The company is also exploring battery storage technologies to optimise its use of renewable energy at this location.
Meanwhile, LEGO has also announced plans for a new 80MWp solar park near its Billund headquarters.
Scheduled for completion in 2028, this project is being developed in collaboration with local energy providers. Once operational, it will generate enough energy to match peak demand across all LEGO sites in Billund.
How LEGO is building towards net zero
LEGO’s investment in solar power forms part of its broader climate strategy, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 37% by 2032 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The company acknowledges that achieving its sustainability goals will require a collective effort.
LEGO has already begun engaging with suppliers and partners to further reduce emissions across its supply chain, reinforcing the need for a collaborative approach to addressing climate change.
Among these efforts, LEGO's pledge to cut its plastic pollution takes top billing. This marquee initiative will see LEGO's primary material undergo a sustainable reimagining, replacing the oil in its bricks with a more sustainable alternative.
“By designing bricks that last for generations, we aim to inspire endless creativity and stop LEGO bricks from becoming waste,” adds Annette Stube, LEGO’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
“And alongside encouraging fans to keep bricks in play, we are continuing to explore more ways to repurpose LEGO bricks through our takeback initiatives," she explains.
The bigger picture: sustainability in manufacturing
For the manufacturing sector, LEGO’s solar expansion underscores the growing role of renewable energy in reducing carbon footprints.
As regulatory and consumer pressures mount, manufacturers are increasingly investing in cleaner energy solutions to meet sustainability targets.
LEGO’s focus on renewable energy aligns with broader industry trends, where companies are seeking to mitigate the environmental impact of energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
While the company still has significant ground to cover, its continued investment in solar energy signals a shift towards greater energy independence and sustainability.
With children ranking environmental issues as one of their top concerns, LEGO’s sustainability efforts are also driven by its commitment to future generations.
While LEGO’s transition to renewable energy is far from complete, its expanding solar initiatives mark a crucial step towards a greener future for its operations and the wider manufacturing industry.
“We used our solid financial foundation to further increase spending on strategic initiatives, which will support growth now and in the future to enable us to bring learning through play to even more children," says LEGO's CEO, Niels B. Christiansen.
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