In recognition of Earth Day — a day to appreciate the earth’s natural environment and remind us to be smarter about the resources we use— I thought I’d tell you about an exciting project I am very proud to be spearheading, which will once again demonstrate Applied Materials’ leadership in renewable energy and the company’s commitment to corporate responsibility.
Applied’s Varian Semiconductor Equipment business unit is moving full steam ahead with the installation of a 2.5 megawatt wind turbine at the Gloucester, MA site—one of the largest turbines on the eastern seaboard at one of the strongest land-based wind production sites in the state.
When completed at the end of this year, the installation of the wind turbine will supply greater than 30% of the site’s electricity and reduce site operating expenses by more than $1 million annually. What’s more, 99% of the power generated by the turbine will be used on-site, resulting in a 34% projected reduction in CO2 emissions—greatly reducing Applied’s carbon footprint.
As only one of five private wind turbine projects in Massachusetts, Applied will provide city officials with access to the research, technology, and the turbine itself, serving as an “on-site laboratory” to leverage learnings and resources. The turbine will measure 100 meters in height (as tall as a 30-floor building), with a 100 meter rotor diameter and a vertically aligned tip of blade at ~492 feet elevation.
Applied's Commitment Today and in the Future
Much like the Applied Materials’ solar arrays around the world, the Varian wind turbine installation is another example of our commitment to using energy responsibly throughout our business—reducing impacts on the environment and minimizing greenhouse gases.
The Applied Materials solar arrays have generated more than 8600 MWh and reduced more than 11 million pounds of CO2, the equivalent of electricity used by more than 600 homes for one year. Learn more about the Applied Materials solar arrays and view real time data about each installation’s energy generation and environmental benefits on our web site.
For more on Applied’s carbon footprint, visit our Citizenship Report.
Read more about how Applied celebrates Earth Day across the globe.
