D.C. ready mixed concrete producer capitalizes on solar power
Sources: Holcim US, Chicago; CMCM staff
New solar panels at the Holcim US Fort Totten ready mixed plant will ease the Washington, D.C. industrial power load and advance the concrete, cement, and aggregate giant’s goal of running all materials sites with renewable energy by 2030. The installation includes cementitious material silo rooftop and carport solar modules, combining to generate 1,300-1,500 MWh per year of green energy. It highlights a Holcim US commitment to move toward a blend of green solutions across business units and markets, from low-carbon cement and concrete, to electrifying vehicle fleets, to innovative carbon capture research.
“This summer showed why everyone, including a concrete supplier in the middle of a large city, is responsible for reducing energy consumption,” says Holcim US Mid-Atlantic Region Senior Vice President Cedric Barthelemy. “With our focus on renewable energy, we’re leading the way in becoming the first concrete company in D.C. to generate and use solar power on site.”
Centennial Generating Co. developed and solar engineering contractor Halo executed the Holcim US Fort Totten arrays, to be owned and operated by Madison Energy Investments. The District of Columbia solar power infrastructure follows other renewable energy projects at Holcim US facilities in Colorado, Michigan, New York and Texas and Michigan. The producer stands to close 2023 with solar or wind energy sources powering up to 40 percent of its cement, aggregate and concrete operations.
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