Boeing Announces Plans for 100% Renewable Energy Powered Factory

Boeing recently announced that their new 787 jet assembly plant in South Carolina will be completely powered by renewable energy. The new facility will have a roof covered with solar panels that will provide most of the energy they need for operations, and they will supplement this energy source with renewable energy certificates bought from SCE&G. The solar array will be made up of 18,000 solar panels, will produce 2.6 megawatts of power, and will cover a whopping 10 acres of rooftop.

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The solar panels on the roof of the new factory will produce enough energy to power 250 homes, and according to Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, it is Boeing’s first 100% renewably powered factory in the world. It appears to be a step in the right direction for a manufacturer whose products are some of the most polluting transportation vessels on earth.

“What this shows us is that Boeing is going to do everything just a little bit better,” said fellow U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint.

That sentiment was seconded by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. “The fact that Boeing would lead the way is going to make it easier for other businesses in South Carolina and in the country to follow,” he said.

The plant will be officially open for business in July and the first jet built with renewable power will take off about a year from the plant’s opening.

Original Article: http://inhabitat.com/boeing-announces-new-factory-will-be-100-powered-by-renewable-energy/

Posted by Administrator | April 27th. 2011 8:43 AM HAST  |  If you liked this article, please share!