Qcells and Hanwha Aerospace USA, both subsidiaries of the Hanwha Group, have jointly announced the successful completion of two solar and energy storage projects in Connecticut. These initiatives are aimed at assisting Hanwha Aerospace USA (HAU) in meeting its energy requirements while advancing the state's clean energy goals.
Under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, Qcells will provide HAU with nearly 20% of its energy needs. The projects, located in Cheshire and Newington, Connecticut, total 1.7 MW of solar capacity and 1.2 MWh of storage.
During the lifespan of the agreement, these projects are expected to generate more than $2 million in utility bill savings and prevent the release of over 32,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. This reduction in emissions is comparable to removing more than 7,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles from the roads annually, according to calculations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Additionally, the solar and battery storage systems installed by Qcells will provide backup power for critical loads during outages, enhancing grid reliability. These initiatives align with the goals of Connecticut's nine-year Energy Storage Solutions program, which aims to promote the adoption of clean storage solutions to improve reliability and lower energy costs.
Jin Han, Corporate Officer and Head of Distributed Energy at Qcells, highlighted the broader benefits of such clean energy solutions, stating, “Our end-to-end energy solutions will help companies like Hanwha Aerospace USA and communities across the country alike achieve sustainability goals while also increasing grid reliability, resiliency, and cost savings.”
Stephen Lindsey, Chief Technology Officer for Hanwha Aerospace USA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to make HAU's operations cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable. He stated, “We see our 20-year agreement with Qcells as an incredible opportunity to make Hanwha Aerospace USA's operations cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable.”
This collaboration between Qcells and Hanwha Aerospace USA underscores the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating the transition to clean energy while simultaneously enhancing grid reliability and resilience. Through initiatives like these, stakeholders are not only reducing environmental impact but also contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
