BASF advances renewable energy commitment with wind and solar power contracts

BASF is collaborating with EDF Energy North America to improve the energy balance and reduce CO₂ emissions of two of its production sites in Texas. The companies have signed a 35 MW Wind Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that will bring 25 MW wind power to BASF’s Verbund site in Freeport and 10 MW wind power to the Pasadena site. The agreement adds to another recently announced PPA that will supply the Freeport site with 55 MW power from EDF Renewables’ Space City Solar project.

“The agreements underline BASF’s commitment to sustainability. Manufacturing products for sustainable solutions, reducing emissions from our processes and using non-fossil fueled energy sources – all of these efforts help lead us on our continuing journey of sustainability,” said Chris Witte, Senior Vice President and General Manager for the BASF site in Freeport. “The addition of renewable energy to our Texas sites will ultimately benefit all three areas: sustainable products, processes and power.”

The projects will significantly improve the energy balance of both BASF sites and further complement the company’s overall sustainability goals. Approximately 70% of the energy supply to the Pasadena site and more than 90% of the power purchased in addition to the energy produced at Freeport site will be supplied from renewable resources. This equals the energy consumption of more than 10,500 households.

The addition of wind and solar power to BASF’s energy portfolio further enhances the company’s advancement toward its climate protection goal of CO₂ neutral growth until 2030. As part of its ambitious Carbon Management program, BASF is gradually replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. At the same time, the partnership ensures the reliability of the BASF assets and increases efficiency and competitiveness at both sites.

EDF Energy North America is an industry leader in renewable energy solutions. The wind farm selected to supply BASF is located in Crocket County, Texas. The planned start date for providing the BASF sites wind power is June 2021. EDF Renewable’s Space City Solar in Wharton, Texas, is expected to begin construction in Summer 2021 and renewable energy supply will start mid-2022.