BASF says it is committed to renewable energy solutions to power its sites across the United States and has entered into virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for wind and solar power totaling 250 megawatts (MW). They reportedly are designed to offset the carbon-intensive grid-supplied electricity being used at more than 20 of BASF’s manufacturing sites in several states across the country, from Texas to Michigan.
“Renewable energy is an essential tool to reach BASF’s ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2050,” says Michael Heinz, member of the board of executive directors, BASF SE and chairman and CEO of BASF Corporation, in a press release from the company. “We are committed to further improving our energy footprint in the region and we are eager to drive the energy transition for chemical manufacturing in North America.”
The combined agreements for the output of 250 MW of renewable generation capacity will result in the purchase of more than 660,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year – the equivalent of electricity consumed by more than 90,000 average U.S. households, according to the company. Based on EPA estimates, the VPPAs reportedly will offset more than 472,500 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. With these agreements in place, the share of renewable energy in BASF’s total North American electricity consumption will rise to more than 25%, says the company.
“These agreements help us reach our clean energy goals in areas where the local electric utility does not supply adequate renewable power,” says Tobias Dratt, President, BASF North America. “At the same time, our financial commitment enables the realization of large solar and wind power projects and adds clean energy to the grid.”
Read the entire press release at: www.basf.com
