DSM North America is holding a grand opening of its newly expanded solar field in Belvidere on Thursday, January 10. The 20.2-MW solar project, located on 66 acres, is now the largest net-metered solar installation in New Jersey and the second largest on the East Coast. The on-site solar generation facility is comprised of 62,000+ solar panels and is estimated to produce 25,000,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually.
The new solar expansion triples the size of the phase one solar field, and will effectively triple the solar output at the site by adding an additional 46 acres and over 42,000 solar panels. At peak production, the maximum output of the DSM solar facility will exceed the site’s peak consumption, with the excess solar power being sent to the power grid during those times.
“The newly expanded solar field is part of DSM’s commitment to doing well by doing good for both our communities and our environment,” said Hugh Welsh, president and general counsel of DSM North America. “It will minimize 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. Led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, RE100 brings together the world’s most influential companies committed to 100% renewable power.
“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,” said Sam Kimmins, head of RE100, The Climate Group. “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.”
“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 20-MW solar project,” said AJ Javan, partner of GeoPeak Energy. “This is a prime example of the planning and execution that is required to complete the construction of a complex project of this scale.”
News item from DSM
Enough power for 406 homes a year.
Wouldn’t it be a great deal more than that?