SunEdison LLC (SunEdison) has installed more than 6 acres of photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays for the Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. (Anheuser-Busch), a US-based brewery. The solar PV systems will be operated by SunEdison. The PV arrays are generating the power equivalent around 3% of the brewery's electricity needs. The ground mount solar system, sizeable at around 1.2 megawatt (MW), is located on Anheuser-Busch property near California Highway 80.
Under the solar power services agreement, SunEdison has provided finance, installation, and is monitoring the solar system. The solar system will also generate renewable energy certificates for businesses or individuals to buy to balance their use of fossil fuel energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2008, Anheuser-Busch has executed an agreement with SunEdison to host the solar power plant on brewery property. Anheuser-Busch also builtr a bio-energy recovery system that will provide over 15% of the brewery’s fuel needs by turning nutrients in brewing wastewater into renewable biogas used to reduce the usage of natural gas. These two projects are the new in a series of conservation and efficiency improvements at the Fairfield brewery. Examples of recent efforts include a project to recover steam to heat water in the brewhouse that decreased greenhouse gas emissions; installation of boiler burners and new energy-efficient air compressors; and replacing brewery lighting with energy-efficient fixtures on timers. Through resource conservation and alternative fuel usage, the brewery has decreased fuel use by 38%, water use by 32% and power use by 14% since 2004.
The brewery is also assessing the installation of a wind turbine and additional solar arrays on-site to generate more renewable energy.
Operating with care and concern for the environment has been a hallmark of Anheuser-Busch for more than century, said Kevin Finger, general manager, Anheuser-Busch. Our increased use of alternative energy sources is the latest example of how we strive to be the best beer company in a better world.
Anheuser-Busch has been a good neighbor to Fairfield and the surrounding communities for more than 30 years, said State Senator Lois Wolk. They have earned their reputation as not only a top employer in the area, but as a business doing the right thing for the environment, even before it was popular.
Anheuser-Busch has taken a strong leadership role in protecting natural resources and using energy wisely and efficiently. By hosting a PV solar energy system, Anheuser-Busch is part of America’s new energy future. SunEdison is proud to support them today and for decades to come, said Kirk Roller, vice president of SunEdison.