Friday, October 10, 2008

McCormick Spices Up It's Energy Mix With Solar

SPARKS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Constellation Energys Projects & Services Group, a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG), under which Constellation Energys Projects & Services Group will construct an approximately one megawatt solar power system at McCormicks Spice Mill and Distribution Center in Hunt Valley, Md. McCormick will purchase the electricity generated from the system. The spice mill is important globally for McCormick as it is the companys largest milling and grinding facility.

This solar power system is another tangible sign of our commitment to sustainability, stated Alan Wilson, McCormicks President & CEO. The project will allow us to both reduce our energy costs while providing renewable energy to Maryland electricity customers. It is a win-win for the environment and our company. More than ever, businesses must be mindful of community impact. At McCormick we consider it a core value.

The installation will feature approximately 80,000 square feet of thin-film solar materiallightweight, flexible photovoltaic material that can be easily applied directly to existing rooftopsthat is expected to generate 500 kilowatts of electricity. An additional 500 kilowatts of electricity is expected to be generated by approximately 2,800 Solar World 175 watt crystalline solar panels.

Constellation Energys Projects & Services Group estimates that the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 1,000 metric tons annually and reduce McCormicks electricity costs for this facility by approximately 30 percent in the first year alone. The energy supplied by this project annually is expected to be equivalent to the electricity used by 110 homes in a year.

On-site solar power installations provide reduced energy costs and long-term price predictability, from a clean, renewable power source, said Greg Jarosinski, President and CEO of Constellation Energys Projects & Services Group. Constellation Energy provides the right mix of financial and construction experience to customize renewable energy projects that fit customers operational and fiscal needs.

As part of this project, Constellation Energys Projects & Services Group will own the energy assets and sell the electricity it generates on site to McCormick & Company under a 20-year power purchase agreement. This structure enables organizations to undertake renewable energy generation with no upfront capital expenditure. Constellation Energys Projects & Services Groups comprehensive approach to on-site solar power projects provides customers with a single-source renewable energy partner, from project planning through long term power supply.

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