WILMINGTON, Del. - AstraZeneca has announced the installation of a 7,300-panel solar energy project that produces energy equivalent to about 10 percent of the campus’ office building electricity use. The 1.7 megawatt system is said to be the largest non-utility solar project in Delaware.

“Producing green electricity is a significant step toward reducing the impact we have on the environment globally,” said Rich Fante, president, AstraZeneca U.S., and CEO, North America. “AstraZeneca is committed to doing its part to create a cleaner, more energy-efficient Delaware.”

The project is expected to produce 2.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is enough to power about 100 homes. It also will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,200 metric tons per year.

“By choosing to use renewable and sustainable energy sources, AstraZeneca is investing in its energy future. It’s great they made that investment with Motech, putting a Delaware employer to work to help power the buildings where hundreds of Delawareans are working,” said Governor Jack Markell. “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.”

“We need to make things in America again, and emerging opportunities in green energy are critical to putting Americans back to work while protecting the environment,” said U.S. Rep. John Carney, D-Del. “Delaware is positioned to be a national leader in these efforts because of partnership and coordination among private businesses and government. AstraZeneca has set a strong example of how to incorporate clean, environmentally-friendly policies into their business practices, and I’m confident they will continue to pursue additional green energy options for many years to come.”

The project is the third and largest solar project on the Wilmington campus, with the first two installed in 2004 and 2008.

For more information, visit www.astrazeneca-us.com.

Publication date: 07/18/2011