Solar Panels at Budweiser Brewery Now Providing Power
Written by Neal Babcock
Press Release
FAIRFIELD, Calif., April 16, 2009
Today, Anheuser-Busch has announced that more than six acres of photovoltaic solar arrays and solar panels, which are installed and operated by Sun Edison, are now generating the equivalent of 3% of the breweries electrical needs.
“Operating with care and concern for the environment has been a hallmark of Anheuser-Busch for more than a century,” said Kevin Finger, general manager, Anheuser-Busch Fairfield brewery. “Our increased use of alternative energy sources is the latest example of how we strive to be the best beer company in a better world.”
Last year after meetings with SunEdison, the brewery entered into an agreement to provide the property for a solar panel power plant. In addition, the brewer reconstructed a bioenergy recovery system which provides more than 15% of the breweries fuel. This is done by turning nutrients in the brewing wastewater into a renewable biogas that can then be burned, decreasing the brewery’s use of natural gas.
These two projects represent the latest in a series of improvements at the Fairfield brewery regarding conservation and efficiency. Recent efforts have included a project that will recover steam in the brewhouse and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Another involves the installation of a more efficient boiler burner and new, more energy-efficient air compressors. Also, brewery lighting is now controlled by timers. Because of all of these enhancements and improvements, the brewery has decreased fuel use by more than 37%, water use by by more than 30% and electricity use by more than 13%.
“Anheuser-Busch has been a good neighbor to Fairfield and the surrounding communities for more than 30 years,” said State Senator Lois Wolk, who represents the region. “They have earned their reputation as not only a top employer in the area, but as a business doing the right thing for the environment, even before it was popular.”
“Anheuser-Busch has taken a strong leadership role in protecting natural resources and using energy wisely and efficiently. By hosting a PV solar energy system, Anheuser-Busch is part of America’s new energy future. SunEdison is proud to support them today and for decades to come,” said Kirk Roller, vice president of SunEdison.
The ground mounted solar system, capable of producing 1.2 MW through its solar panels, is located on every property near California Highway 80 area as part of the agreement, SunEdison financed installs and is operating the photovoltaic solar panel energy system. The system also generates renewable energy certificates.
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