BP builds, operates largest solar power system on East Coast
PAULSBORO, NJ (April 22, 2003) - In celebration of Earth Day, BP today announced it has built and is operating the largest solar field on the East Coast in Paulsboro, NJ. The project is another step forward in the company's efforts to facilitate productive reuse of a 130-acre former petroleum and specialty chemical storage and distribution facility located east of Philadelphia on the Delaware River.
"Solar power is an excellent source of high-value clean electricity and building the largest East Coast solar field as part of this reuse initiative is an outstanding demonstration of a large-scale application," said John Mogford, BP group vice president for Renewables and Alternatives.
At the Earth Day ceremony, U.S. Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Paulsboro mayor John Burzichelli helped BP executives to inaugurate the solar field, while a class of gifted science students from the Loudenslager School looked on and after participating in an interactive lesson on solar energy.
"This solar field represents a step forward for both our economy and our environment. The two go hand-in-hand. A cleaner environment can foster a more vibrant economy," Senator Corzine said. "Renewal energy sources also help to reduce our dependence on foreign oil."
The Paulsboro solar power field produces an estimated 350,000 kilowatt-hours a year in clean electricity, enough to power about 50 typical homes in the Northeast. The solar power is generated by an array of 5,880 panels and provides up to 30 percent of the energy needed for environmental remediation equipment at the former terminal. Use of this solar power system is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 571,000 lbs./year, sulfur dioxide by 1,600 lbs./year, and nitrogen oxide by 1,100 lbs./year.
"This project takes land that has served it purpose for heavy industry in the 20th Century and provides an adaptive reuse with 21st Century technology, making clean electricity without a smokestack," said Paulsboro Mayor John Burzichelli, who also serves New Jersey as Assemblyman for the 3rd Legislative District.
The project is funded by BP with partial assistance from two programs geared toward environmental initiatives: the New Jersey Clean Energy Program that provides rebates up to 50 percent for New Jersey residents and corporations to install solar and other clean energy systems; and the Virginia Alliance for Solar Energy (VASE), a program designed to foster solar projects in the Mid-Atlantic region. VASE is managed by the state of Virginia with funds from the US Department of Energy.
Steve Elbert, president of Group Environmental Management Company, a BP-affiliated company that manages remediation at the terminal, said, "The solar project is another example of BP going beyond traditional methods to demonstrate environmental leadership. And, although BP is not in the land development business, as the company fulfills its environmental obligations in Paulsboro, it seeks to facilitate reuse of the property for the benefit of the community."
Contact:
John Curry
Tel: 410.494.3756
Cell: 443.562.7274
