Ball steps into renewable energy - Smart Energy Decisions

Industrial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables, Wind  -  September 6, 2016

Ball signs 1st solar, wind deals in California, Ohio

Ball Corp., best known for its early production of glass jars and lids, has joined a growing number of U.S. manufacturers turning to renewable energy to help power their operations. 

The Broomfield, Colo.,-based company signed its first wind power purchase agreement, or PPA, in 2015, and its first solar PPA in early 2016, Ball said in its biennial sustainability report, released Aug. 24. 

"For the first time in its 135-year history, Ball entered the world of renewable energy in 2015, adding another layer to our efforts to address climate change," the company said in the report. "Our highly engaged workforce in Findlay, Ohio, teamed up with a local renewable energy service provider to harness the power of the wind."

Working with the Findlay, Ohio,-based developer One Energy — which invested $18 million to install five 1.5-MW wind turbines on land next to Ball's metal beverage and food packaging manufacturing plant — Ball committed to a 20-year fixed electric rate for power supplied by three of turbines. Ball said those turbines are expected to generate 13 million kWh per year, or about 20% of its plant's electricity needs. 

As a result of the deal, Ball said it is avoiding approximately 8,200 metric tons of
greenhouse gas emissions annually. That deal done, Ball said it is continuing to evaluate other locations for renewable  energy opportunities. 

Ball said its first solar PPA was signed in early 2016 for output  from an installation at its plant in Fairfield, Calif. That project is expected to generate about 1.8 million kWh of electricity per year.

Ball's entire sustainability report can be found on its website


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