DSM has tripled the solar output of its facility in Belvidere, New Jersey, as it moves one step closer to sourcing 100% renewable energy for its global operations.
The on-site solar generation facility is comprised of more than 62,000 solar panels and is estimated to produce 25 million kWh of renewable electricity annually.
At peak production, the maximum output of the unit will exceed the site’s peak consumption, with the excess solar power being sent to the power grid during those times.
Netherlands-headquartered DSM partnered with GeoPeak Energy to develop, engineer and construct the expansion.
The panels use DSM’s own anti-reflective coating for the solar glass that increases efficiency by up to 3%. This technology is already in use at DSM’s operating solar fields in Kingstree, South Carolina, and Pune, India.
Hugh Welsh, president of DSM North America, said: “The newly expanded solar field is part of DSM’s commitment to doing well by doing good for both our communities and our environment.
“It will minimise our impact on the planet through clean, renewable energy and allow for sending enough green 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.”
As a member of the RE100 initiative, DSM has a goal to source 100% renewable electricity for its global operations. The project is led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP.
Sam Kimmins, head of RE100 at 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.
“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 clean energy transition is happening now, and won’t slow down.”
GeoPeak Energy partner AJ Javan added: “We’re proud to be an integral part of DSM’s commitment to sustainability and thank DSM for trusting us to develop and construct another solar project. Over the past few years, GeoPeak Energy has partnered with DSM to implement key objectives of its sustainability plan, including this 20MW Solar Project.
“This is a prime example of the planning and execution that is required to complete the construction of a complex project of this scale.”
Last year, DSM signed an energy supply agreement with Eneco, meaning 100% of the electricity used by the company in the Netherlands will be from renewable sources. The company has committed to sourcing at least 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.
