A system made up of sensors and motors to adjust the angle or orientation of solar panels according to the sun's trajectory throughout the day, in order to maximize exposure. Solar trackers offer a dual advantage: up to a 40% higher production compared to traditional fixed panels, and a smaller ground footprint, particularly valuable in the event of land constraints or to avoid certain land-use conflicts.
January 18, 2024
Imerys presents one of its decarbonization projects at the EnR Entreprises Conference
Imerys was invited to take part in the 5th edition of the National Renewable Energy (EnR) Entreprises Conference, held on Tuesday, January 16th, at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Paris. The Group presented a concrete example of its strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations through the use of renewable energy.
The EnR Entreprises Conference, an event dedicated to renewable energy
The EnR Entreprises Conference, organized by the Orygeen Institute in collaboration with ADEME, is a conference dedicated to renewable energies and is supported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Energy Transition. This unique event in France aims to promote corporate commitment to decarbonization through renewable energies, and highlights inspiring initiatives. Hakim Dabouz, Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Manager for Renewables at Imerys, was invited to take part in the “Concrete Examples of Achievements” panel discussion. He explained the Imerys Group's decarbonization strategy and its main levers, including the deployment of renewable energy projects. Dabouz illustrated this commitment by presenting the partnership with TotalEnergies for renewable energy production at the Imerys site in Lompoc, California.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through solar panels installation at the Lompoc site
This Imerys project presented at the EnR conference involves the installation of a network of 15 MW photovoltaic panels and an energy storage system using batteries at the Imerys site in Lompoc, Santa Barbara County. These panels will be equipped with solar trackers, allowing them to be oriented towards the sun to maximize exposure. Energy storage, achieved through stationary batteries, will store excess electricity generated during the day and release it in the evening. Ultimately, the solar energy produced is expected to cover half of the site's energy needs, eliminating the emission of approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
A Key Program for Imerys' Decarbonization Strategy
The installation of solar panels in Lompoc aligns with Imerys' commitment to combating climate change. The Group aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 42% in absolute value for direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The strategy focuses on increased use of renewable electricity, notably through the deployment of on-site and off-site PPA projects, such as the one in Lompoc. This decarbonization goal, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative and aligned with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C trajectory, illustrates Imerys' dedication to a sustainable future.
August 19, 2024
Using peanut shells as a source of energy? This is one approach we are implementing through our decarbonization lever: Fuel switching and Biomass use. We have launched a comprehensive program to identify, assess and implement projects to switch from fossil fuels, such as coal and heavy fuel oil, to natural gas (a fossil energy source that releases lower GHG emissions) and to biomass waste.
We’ll take you on a journey to America, Europe, the Middle East and China to discover some of our initiatives!
July 23, 2024
Are you ready to explore how low-carbon and renewable electricity can drive our journey to be compatible with the 1.5°C trajectory? As one of our five key decarbonization levers, it has the potential to reduce half of the emissions we need to achieve our -42% reduction target.
Let's dive into renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the low impact electricity installations and projects we are deploying across the Group.
July 8, 2024
For this second article on our journey to 1.5°C, you will learn about our energy efficiency and recovery projects, which are expected to represent up to 20% of the Group’s emissions reduction potential by 2030. Join us on an immersion tour across some of our sites to discover some best practices and initiatives.
July 2, 2024
Our Andersonville plant in the USA is reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by fueling its kilns with a renewable local biomass source – peanut shells.