BP Solar and Governor O’Malley at Groundbreaking Ceremony to Celebrate Multi-Million Dollar Expansion Project
Release date:
16 July 2007
BP Solar to Welcome Governor O’Malley at Groundbreaking Ceremony to Celebrate Multi-Million Dollar Expansion Project and Contribution to Maryland Solar Schools Program
Expansion investment boosted from $70 million to $97 million to increase capacity, create new jobs, and use sustainable building techniques
$100,000 Commitment to Maryland Solar Schools Program
$100,000 Commitment to Maryland Solar Schools Program
Frederick, MD, July 16, 2007 - BP Solar and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley break ground today on what is now a $97 million expansion project that will further bolster the facility’s output of solar energy products. Already the largest fully integrated solar plant in North America, the plan is to nearly double the current casting and sizing capacity to approximately 150 MW and will create approximately 70 new jobs.
Exactly nine months ago, the company announced it would invest $70 million in the project. That figure has now been increased to $97 million, which will allow for space to further enlarge its manufacturing capacity to 400+ MW in its casting, sizing, and wafering processes. Construction is slated for completion by the end of 2009.
This project is part of a larger growth plan for BP Solar globally. Earlier this year, the company announced it began construction on two mega cell plants -- one at its European headquarters in Tres Cantos, Spain, and the second at its joint venture facility, Tata BP Solar, in Bangalore, India.
“Expanding our Frederick plant ensures that BP Solar stays at the forefront of the global solar industry by meeting demand, providing innovative products to our current customer base, and allowing us to enter new markets,” said Lee Edwards, BP Solar CEO. “We recognize that in order to do business in the long term we must respect the broader needs of communities where we operate and be good corporate citizens. So, to complement our expansion plans, we will integrate sustainable building techniques such as a roof garden, bio-retention, extensive water recycling and the implementation of LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) design components such as energy efficient lighting, cooling and heating.”
Furthermore, to help educate Maryland students about the importance of solar energy, BP announces it will contribute $100,000 to the Maryland Solar Schools program. Administered by the Solar Schools Foundation, the program assists schools in the installation of solar electric systems, provides curriculum guidance, technical assistance, and can provide limited grants to help defray the high upfront cost of solar.
“I am proud to be here today to celebrate the expansion of BP Solar in the State of Maryland,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “By capitalizing on Maryland's existing renewable industry and recently enacted legislation to promote solar and wind energy, I hope to make Maryland the engine of the renewable energy economy. Today, BP is helping to lead the way by using sustainable building techniques and investing $100,000 in Maryland’s Solar Schools Program.”
In April, Gov. O’Malley signed into law Senate Bill 595, which establishes a market for solar power and encourages homeowners, businesses and others to invest in roof-top systems to lower their electricity bills
“Solar energy is an important option to address rising electricity rates,” said Edwards. “With its recently-passed legislation, Maryland is now among a number of states across the country with programs to promote the installation of clean and reliable solar power. At a time when electricity rates are increasing, this legislation allows homeowners to reduce their power bills through their own solar system on their home. ”
Before-and-after artist’s rendering of the site is available upon request
Contact: BP press office +1 202.457.6603 or +1 202.340.6938 (cell)
Notes to Editors
Casting and sizing are the initial stages in the production of a solar cell. Casting refers to the act of melting small pieces of silicon, the raw material, and cooling it to form a large block of silicon. This block is called an ingot. The ingot is then cut into bricks – a process called sizing. The bricks are then cut into very thin silicon wafers that are used for solar cell production.
Casting and sizing are the initial stages in the production of a solar cell. Casting refers to the act of melting small pieces of silicon, the raw material, and cooling it to form a large block of silicon. This block is called an ingot. The ingot is then cut into bricks – a process called sizing. The bricks are then cut into very thin silicon wafers that are used for solar cell production.
BP is one of the world’s largest energy companies, with interests in more than 100 countries and over 96,000 employees. BP Alternative Energy, formed in 2005, brings together BP’s interests in zero and low-carbon power generation: BP Solar, the company’s photovoltaic business; wind power generation; hydrogen power -- which combines fossil fuel power generation with carbon capture and storage to provide extremely low carbon power; and BP’s natural gas-fired power interests. BP Alternative Energy has an active wind development portfolio in Europe, North America and Asia; the company’s hydrogen business includes a project in Los Angeles; BP Solar is a leading global solar company; and BP participates in more than 13,000 MW of gas-fired generation around the world.
www.bpalternativenergy.com
Information on the Maryland Solar Schools Program can be found on the E3 Energy Services website
Information on the LEED program can be found on the US Green Building Council webiste
www.bpalternativenergy.com
Information on the Maryland Solar Schools Program can be found on the E3 Energy Services website
Information on the LEED program can be found on the US Green Building Council webiste
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