Latest solar project further demonstrates company’s dedication to renewable energy
Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) announced it is building a solar array at its Corning Life Sciences (CLS) facility in Oneonta, and the company has entered into a solar–power purchase agreement to further support its commitment to clean energy.
“Corning is continuously working toward reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact,” said Tom Capek, senior vice president and chief engineer. “Solar projects, like the one at our oneonta plant, are another step toward using more renewable energy and preserving our environment. Corning is committed to pursuing renewable energy sources in order to help reduce energy costs while providing a greener power source for the community.”
The array will be Corning’s first solar project in New York state, and Corning’s 11th worldwide. The ground-mounted solar array will be constructed by Ontario, New York-based company GreenSpark Solar and is expected to be completed in summer 2019.
Corning has entered into the power purchase agreement with Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure, which will own the solar array. The electricity generated will go directly into the New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) grid and be distributed to consumers. The solar array will produce more clean energy for consumers, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the community.
“Corning has been a proud member of the oneonta community for more than 50 years and has always strived to be responsible users of energy resources,” said Ben Williams, site energy manager with Corning’s Global Energy Management program. “We are excited to be helping ‘green’ NYSEG’s grid by increasing renewable energy production in Oneonta.”
The oneonta solar installation and purchase agreement aligns with Corning’s continued commitment to clean the air and environmental stewardship. Other achievements and ventures include:
Corning produced the first emission control substrate that enabled the auto industry to meet standards set in the Clean Air Act in 1972.
Corning Environmental Technologies is focused on manufacturing substrates and filters designed to trap soot, or particulate matter, from diesel or gasoline exhaust emissions in a variety of light-duty and heavy-duty applications.
In 2006, Corning established its Global Energy Management program, which drives efficient energy use and has saved Corning more than $500 million in cumulative energy costs.
In 2017, the oneonta facility achieved the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Challenge for Industry after increasing its energy efficiency by 14.3 percent in three years.
Corning has received the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for the past five years (2014-2018).
The solar project also aligns with New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Renewing the Energy Vision (REV) initiative to have 70 percent of New York’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2030. This project is partially funded through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Value of Distributed Energy Resources.
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