May 21 2010
enXco – an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company (PARIS:EEN) - has confirmed the start of construction on the 3 MW photovoltaic array at Pocono Raceway Solar Project.
enXco will design and construct the project and then turn it over to Pocono Raceway upon completion.
The Pocono Raceway Solar Project will be constructed along Long Pond Road on approximately 25 acres of land. The solar system, expected to generate clean electricity for the raceway later this summer, will consist of nearly 40,000 photovoltaic modules and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 2,370 tons annually.
“The Pocono Raceway Solar Project marks the first project for enXco in Pennsylvania and also our first turnkey solar project,” said Peter Solomon, Director, Solar Origination at enXco. “We are proud to partner with Pocono, along with our development partner Evolution Energies and general contractor Belectric, to develop the largest renewable energy stadium project in the world by more than two times. We recognize the dedicated efforts of NASCAR to become more sustainable and we look forward to helping other tracks to follow Pocono’s leadership to reduce their carbon footprint through the generation of solar energy.”
The new solar energy system will become the primary electric energy source for the race track and will also benefit the local power grid. With the deregulation of Pennsylvania’s electric utility laws allowing more flexibility on power purchases, the track found there is no better time to upgrade their facility.
Brandon Igdalsky, Track President, said, “Pocono Raceway shares in the NASCAR commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way. This new system, along with other initiatives we are implementing demonstrates that it is not that “tricky” to go green. This new system will satisfy the Raceway’s energy needs, and will allow us to help power close to one thousand homes.”