The 904-kilowatt installation is designed to provide approximately 80% of the peak load demand for the company’s Oakland facility, which employs 1,700 people. Completion is expected in May 2005.

Mitch Jackson, managing director of corporate and international environmental programmes for FedEx Express, said the project would deliver more environmental innovation to California. “From hybrid electric delivery trucks to solar power, we are proud to lead our industry in committing to real, practical ways to reduce pollution, conserve fossil fuels and contribute to a greener world.”

The solar generation system will cover 81,000 square feet on the roofs of two buildings and consist of 5,769 photovoltaic modules, comprised of more than 300,000 solar cells. The solar panels will also act as insulation to reduce the heating and cooling costs.

To keep the whole project on schedule, FedEx is using its own huge global supply chain to fly the solar cells from Japan to the assembly facility in Memphis, from where FedEx Freight will truck the assembled modules to the project.

Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown said: “FedEx is proving that solar power works for business. Thanks to this vision, we’re adding nearly one megawatt of zero pollution electric generating capacity to Oakland. With this project we’re also well on our way to my administration’s goal of adding five megawatts of solar power in Oakland by the end of 2005.”

FedEx made a long term commitment to develop and use hybrid electric delivery trucks in March, and will roll out the fleet to various US cities later this year.

By

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe