AstraZeneca was today joined by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP to officially open its new solar car park, supporting energy requirements for its manufacturing site in Macquarie Park.
The new solar photovoltaic installation took six months to construct with a total of 1092 panels, utilising the full coverage of the multi-storey car park.
The panels will produce 972 MWh per annum. The site also includes new EV charging stations for staff.
AstraZeneca’s manufacturing site at Macquarie Park employs over 400 people and exports to more than 10 countries.
AstraZeneca Country President Australia New Zealand, Ben McDonald, said AstraZeneca continues to invest in sustainability and emission reduction initiatives.
“This project is an important step towards delivering emissions reductions and on-site renewable energy investments in line with our global Ambition Zero Carbon program. By the end of 2025, we are committed to using 100% renewable energy sources to meet all our needs, and by 2026, we aim to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 98 per cent, from 2015, Mr McDonald said.
“It also adds to our work across the healthcare industry through the Medicines Australia Medical Sustainability Group and our AZ Forest commitment to plant 25 million trees in Australia.”
Geraldine Murphy, Site General Manager AstraZeneca Manufacturing, said the new solar car park adds to existing panels on site, increasing solar energy generation at the site.
“Manufacturing processes can be energy intensive which is why AstraZeneca is focused on investing in renewable energy projects while also focusing on ways we can reduce our energy consumption.
“Sixteen per cent of our total manufacturing energy requirements at our Macquarie Park site will now be met from solar power, with the addition of these new solar panels, Ms Murphy said.
“This will also mean tens of thousands of dollars in electricity costs will be saved per annum.”