Holcim, TotalEnergies to partner on 33 MWdc solar PV with 39.5 MW battery energy storage in Colorado

Holcim US and TotalEnergies have collaborated to bring a large-scale solar power and battery energy storage system to Holcim’s Portland cement plant in Florence, Colorado, USA. TotalEnergies will be responsible for building, maintaining, and operating a 33 MW dc ground-mounted solar array and a 38.5 MWh battery energy storage system at the facility. The solar array will be optimized for maximum energy yield, through bifacial solar panels that generate power on both the front and back sides and single-axis solar trackers that follow the sun’s movement through the day. The energy storage system will decrease the factory’s reliance on other sources of energy and lower the company’s utility costs, especially during on-peak periods when regional demand for electricity is high.

According to Atl Martinez, VP of Procurement for Holcim North America, the partnership between the two companies is crucial in accelerating green growth across the United States. This initiative with TotalEnergies is a significant investment that will significantly reduce the plant’s reliance on other sources of energy across the entire lifecycle of the project, lowering the plant’s carbon footprint. The holistic investment will shrink their utility costs by combining clean energy and efficient operations, transforming the factory’s operations in a big way.

The project is expected to reduce the Portland cement plant’s CO2 emissions by more than 21,000 metric tons annually. It is equivalent to removing roughly 4,500 vehicles from the road each year. The project is expected to be completed in 2023, which is quite a significant step toward Holcim’s commitment to meeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By collaborating with TotalEnergies, Holcim is making a significant statement about its ongoing commitment to decarbonization, renewable energy, and a circular economy.