LafargeHolcim is to open a solar field which will provide clean and renewable energy to the Hagerstown Cement Plant in the US state of Maryland.
The solar field is expected to generate 10 MWac of energy on-peak, which LafargeHolcim insists is sufficient power to provide about 25% of the plant’s annual requirements.
It will also prevent the equivalent of roughly 12,375 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the environment, the company adds.
Jamie M. Gentoso, CEO of US Cement operations at LafargeHolcim, says: “As solar technologies continue to improve, this abundant energy source stands out as both a sustainable and economical solution to follow through on our commitment to minimise emissions and reduce our carbon footprint. We already have access to large areas of land with a high concentration of sunlight, so utilising solar energy is an easy decision.”
LafargeHolcim has also utilised renewable sources at other plant locations. Last year, the building materials giant started relying on three wind turbines to provide clean energy to its cement plant in Paulding, Ohio.
“During the next five years, we hope to install enough renewable energy to power all of our plants and give back to the surrounding communities; this new solar array is just the beginning for us,” Gentoso adds.
