BASF enters power agreements for clean energy supply of more than 20 BASF sites across the United States

Rhea-AI Summary

BASF has signed virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for a total of 250 MW of renewable energy, enhancing sustainability across more than 20 manufacturing sites in the U.S. This initiative aims to offset carbon-intensive electricity and increase the share of renewable energy in BASF’s North American electricity consumption to over 25%. The projects will generate approximately 660,000 MWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the needs of over 90,000 households, and mitigate more than 472,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year, supporting BASF’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050.

Positive

• Signing of VPPAs totaling 250 MW of renewable energy.
• Renewable energy will constitute over 25% of BASF's total electricity consumption in North America.
• Projects will offset more than 472,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
• Annual electricity generation of over 660,000 MWh, benefiting over 90,000 households.

Negative

• None.

• BASF enables renewable energy projects by signing VPPAs totaling 250 MW
• Energy supply for more than 20 manufacturing sites will be offset with solar and wind power
• Share of renewable energy will rise to more than 25% of BASF’s total electricity consumption in North America
  

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Aug. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BASF is committed to renewable energy solutions to power its sites across the United States and has entered into virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for wind and solar power totaling 250 megawatts (MW). They are designed to offset the carbon-intensive grid-supplied electricity being used at more than 20 of BASF’s manufacturing sites in several states across the country, from Texas to Michigan.

“Renewable energy is an essential tool to reach BASF’s ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2050,” said Michael Heinz, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE and Chairman and CEO of BASF Corporation. “We are committed to further improving our energy footprint in the region and we are eager to drive the energy transition for chemical manufacturing in North America.”

The combined agreements for the output of 250 MW of renewable generation capacity will result in the purchase of more than 660,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year – the equivalent of electricity consumed by more than 90,000 average U.S. households. Based on EPA estimates, the VPPAs will offset more than 472,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually. With these agreements in place, the share of renewable energy in BASF’s total North American electricity consumption will rise to more than 25%.

“These agreements help us reach our clean energy goals in areas where the local electric utility does not supply adequate renewable power,” said Tobias Dratt, President, BASF North America. “At the same time, our financial commitment enables the realization of large solar and wind power projects and adds clean energy to the grid.”

To realize its ambitious emission goals, BASF is collaborating with various partners who are driving the sustainable change of the energy sector. The chemical company will purchase 100 MW of power generated by Dawn Solar. An additional 150 MW of renewable energy capacity will be added through transactions with EDF Energy Services.

Last year, a collaboration with EDF Energy Services added 35 MW of wind capacity to the energy mix for BASF’s manufacturing sites in Freeport and Pasadena, Texas. In another joint project with EDF Renewables, BASF’s property in Toms River became home to New Jersey’s largest solar project and the largest solar project built on a Superfund site in the United States.

BASF aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent compared with 2018 by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. One important lever to bring down emissions is to replace fossil-based electricity with fossil-free electricity. BASF aims to secure the required amounts of renewable power it needs through a “make and buy” approach.

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,700 employees in North America and had sales of $25.9 billion in 2021. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

Media Relations contact
Molly Birman
Phone: 201-602-8253
molly.birman@basf.com 

FAQ

What is BASF's recent renewable energy initiative?

BASF signed VPPAs for 250 MW of renewable energy to power more than 20 manufacturing sites in the U.S.

How much CO₂ emissions will BASF offset with its new agreements?

BASF's agreements will offset more than 472,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

What percentage of BASF's electricity consumption will come from renewable sources in North America?

The share of renewable energy will rise to over 25% of BASF's total electricity consumption in North America.

How many households' energy needs can BASF's renewable projects supply?

The projects will generate enough electricity to supply over 90,000 average U.S. households annually.

What is BASF's goal regarding emissions reduction by 2050?

BASF aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, with a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2018.