RE100 member DSM has expanded its Belvidere solar field from 20 to 66 acres, tripling the size and the solar output of the project.
The new solar field will power DSM’s Belvidere production plant and will at peak sunlight generate more solar power than the plant’s energy consumption. This will allow the company to sell back enough excess energy to the grid to power 406 homes for a year.
Sam Kimmins, Head of RE100, The Climate Group, said: “DSM is a prime example of an RE100 member investing in pragmatic and impactful projects by cutting emissions from its operations and greening the grid to the benefit of local communities at the same time.
“By expanding its Belvidere solar field to triple the size, DSM sends a powerful message that the business case for renewable power continues to grow – showing the wider business community that the energy transition is happening now and won’t slow down.”
More of a good thing
RE100, led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, brings together leading businesses committed to sourcing 100% renewable electricity for their global operations. DSM is targeting an interim goal of 50% renewable power by 2025, and the newly expanded Belvidere solar field is an important part of the journey.
“This newly expanded solar field is part of DSM’s commitment to doing well by doing good for both our communities and our environment,” said Hugh Welsh, President and General Counsel of DSM North America.
“It will minimize our impact on the planet through clean, renewable energy, exceed our Belvidere plant’s energy needs, and allow for selling enough energy back to the grid to power 406 homes for a year. At DSM we are proud to do our part to move the state of New Jersey and our country toward a clean energy future.”
By adding more than 42,000 panels to the existing Belvidere solar field, the Dutch vitamin company now operates the largest net-metered solar field in New Jersey and the second largest on the East Coast. It will reduce DSM’s operating emissions by 17,400 metric tons of CO2 annually.
RE100 members are progressing rapidly in their goals of sourcing 100% renewable electricity. Our recent RE100 Progress and Insights Annual Report revealed that the companies increased the amount of renewable power sourced by 41% from 2016 to 2017.