by Shane Henson — June 22, 2011—AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical business, recently announced the installation of a 7,300-panel solar energy project on its Wilmington, Delaware campus that produces energy equivalent to about 10 percent of the campus’ office building electricity use.
The 1.7 megawatt system, reportedly the largest non-utility solar project in Delaware, will produce green electricity that is the equivalent of removing the greenhouse gas emissions of more than 300 cars from the road per year. The project is expected to produce 2.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power about 100 homes. According to AstraZeneca, the project will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,200 metric tons per year.
The system is the third and by far the largest solar project on the Wilmington campus, says the company, with the first two installed in 2004 and 2008. The company says it is committed to reducing its impact on the environment globally and to doing its part to create a cleaner, more energy-efficient Delaware.
The projects have received widespread praise, including from Delaware officials. “By moving to renewable and sustainable energy sources, AstraZeneca is investing in its future and the future of our state. This project makes economic and environmental sense,” said Delaware Governor Jack Markell.
