The Nürburgring continues to consistently drive forward its sustainable development. At the so-called T13 – an important area of the Nordschleife – two major projects to strengthen the green infrastructure have been launched. A large photovoltaic system now boosts the site's self-sufficiency in climate-friendly energy, while two 400 kW high-performance fast-charging stations send a clear signal for sustainable mobility.
The T13 at the Nürburgring: The name refers to a former grandstand, the area of which still plays a central role in the daily operations of the Nürburgring. Located directly on the Nordschleife, there is a small paddock that is regularly used for various purposes. International car manufacturers start their test and development drives on the Nordschleife from here. The official record-breaking drives on the legendary track also start and finish here. In addition, the teams of the Nürburgring Circuit Challenge move into this area on race days to prepare their vehicles for the popular amateur racing series.
Seat shells gave way to over 1,000 m² of photovoltaic modules
From the adjacent grandstand 13, little remains of the former spectator area. The seats were removed so that a total of 510 photovoltaic modules covering an area of over 1,000 square meters could be installed over the past few weeks. The 230 kWp system now produces 237,000 kWh per year. With this new photovoltaic system, the Nürburgring now has three large PV systems on its premises. Systems on the roof of the ring°werk motorsport experience museum and on the roof of the BMW M Power grandstand were previously successfully connected to the grid. The race track thus produces a total of around 1.4 million kWh of sustainable electricity per year. Depending on demand, 100% of the electricity generated is used directly to operate the Nürburgring. Any additional electricity required is sourced exclusively from certified green electricity from sustainable sources. If the Ring's PV systems generate more energy than is needed at certain times, this surplus electricity is fed into the regional electricity market.
Fast charging stations for test and trial runs on the Nordschleife
Also new at T13 are two high-performance fast charging stations, which were implemented in collaboration with the energy company AVIA Plus. With a charging capacity of 400 kW each, they enable the supply of electric prototypes and test vehicles during test and trial runs. This gives participating companies the opportunity to charge their vehicles for the next test drive directly at the Nordschleife. The structural requirements have already been put in place to easily expand the system with additional fast charging stations if demand increases. The T13 site is therefore fit for the future.
About sustainability at the Nürburgring
Under the slogan “For the Ring. For the region. For the future.”, the Nürburgring is fully committed to sustainable development – in its daily work as well as in long-term infrastructure measures. The aim is to make this traditional location fit for the future while at the same time fulfilling its ecological responsibilities.
The measures cover various areas of activity, including energy efficiency, green mobility, resource conservation, and nature and landscape protection. The Nürburgring relies on modern photovoltaic systems, 100% certified green electricity, a continuously expanding charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and intelligent energy management. Waste prevention, recycling, and the conscious use of water and soil are also actively promoted.
An important part of sustainable development is also treating the surrounding nature with respect—for example, through the responsible management of around 150 hectares of its own forest land and measures to protect regional habitats.
This commitment has been recognized with, among other things, the two-star environmental accreditation from the FIA, the world governing body for motorsport – an international seal of approval for sustainable event management. The Nürburgring shows that motorsport, innovation, and environmental protection are not contradictory, but together form a sustainable perspective for the future.
All information on sustainability at the Nürburgring here.