To achieve our ambition of reaching Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2030, we are constantly evaluating avenues to improve our performance and where we can strategically invest to make the most impactful change.
Aligned with this approach, we have recently taken the significant step of installing a solar photovoltaic system atop our facility in Houma, Louisiana, which is the largest SES operating base in the United States. This substantial investment in renewable energy not only propels us closer to the realisation of our Net-Zero objective, but it also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the local community.
On evaluation of our emissions sources, electricity consumption ranked as the third highest, with our Houma facility being the largest consumer amongst our bases in the United States.
Only 4.2% of Louisiana's electricity is generated from renewable sources. These factors highlighted the potential of self-generated solar energy to our team who embarked on the ambitious project, a first of its kind in the region.
Despite only being in operation for the last six months, the system has already surpassed initial expectations and is currently generating more energy than the facility's demand. This surplus energy has been fed back into the grid and has the capacity to power the equivalent of 11 homes in Louisiana for a full year.
In conjunction with other initiatives across our global operations, this project has elevated our share of renewable electricity to an impressive 90%, underscoring our unwavering commitment to investing in affordable and clean energy in harmony with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We hope our efforts and learnings during the project can serve as a model for our peers within the region and the broader industry.
To bring this project to fruition, we partnered with Solar Alternatives, a leading provider of clean energy systems along the Gulf Coast. Jeff Cantin, President of Solar Alternatives, commented:
“This historic solar project has shown Louisiana and the region how local and international energy firms can build environmental responsibility into their ongoing activities in a way that provides reliable power and profitable results. SES should be proud of this industry-leading achievement and of the long-term financial and sustainability benefits.”
SES Director and General Manager in the US, Mike Perera added:
“At Swire Energy Services, we are committed to providing long-term sustainable value to our stakeholders, customers, and community. Our aim is to lead our industry in sustainable development, and this is just one of many steps towards our goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.”
Learn more about our Sustainable Development Policy, our Decarbonisation Strategy and more here.