Mayor Ed Pawlowski today announced the completion of the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Plant at the Bridgeworks facility on South 10th Street.
The Solar PV Plant is an ambitious part of the city’s Green Mission Initiatives; a key component of which is the city’s plan to meet and exceed the goals set forth in the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement signed in July 2006. It also contributes significantly to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s declared mission that 0.5% of its energy generation needs be met by solar power by the year 2020, as part of its Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (“AEPS”) adopted in 2004.
There will be a reduction in the City of Allentown’s environment of more than 89,278 pounds of Carbon Dioxide emissions, more than 688 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide emissions and more than 196 pounds of Nitrous Oxide emissions in a 12 month period. Additionally, air-borne mercury emissions will be significantly reduced.
As of yesterday morning; the Solar PV Plant had generated enough energy to power five homes for one year, power 452 computers for one year, or operate a TV for over 46 years; Most significantly, we’ve reduced the pollution an average passenger car emits over 12 years.
Also, today, the city launched from its web-site, www.allentownpa.gov a new web-link; Go Green! Conservation Initiatives Program where city and region residents can view real-time statistics on the energy generated in kilowatt hours KwH), and the reduction of Greenhouse gas Emission Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Nitrous Oxide (NO2) emissions statistics.
This partners with another part of the Allentown Conservation Initiatives. In early June, the city launched the Allentown Conservation program. The city’s Sustainability Office teamed with the Sustainable Energy Fund, AFC First Financial Corporation/Keystone HELP, PPL Electric Utility’s E-POWER Program, and the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) to provide considerable help to city residents, commercial property and small business owners and small not-for-profit organizations.
The Mayor was joined by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger who stated, “This system will help to keep the lights on, help to clean our air, and to stop more heat-trapping gas from going into the atmosphere that creates 100 plus degree temperatures.”
Also present was David J. O'Connor, Solar Program Project Manager, Infrasource Telecommunication Services, “The city of Allentown made a commitment to incorporate renewable energy into its energy mix. The Bridgeworks Project is a real, tangible result of this vision and what a city can do.” O’Connor said, “I am proud to be part of that vision and part of an organization that has contributed to the success of its implementation.”
The Mayor concluded by thanking the DEP and Secretary Hanger, PEDA (The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority), board of directors, and Executive Director Thomas Bell for their encouragement and funding of this project and the Director of Public Works, Richard A. Young. P.E. and his staff.
