Charles River Laboratories International has entered into an agreement to purchase solar power to cover their entire North American requirement. Duke Energies Sustainable Solutions will generate approximately 250,000 MWh annually from the Pisgah Ridge Solar Project rated at 250 MW in Navarro County, TX due to come on-line in 2022. The agreement between Charles River Laboratories and Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions will extend over fifteen years and will allow flexibility for the energy purchaser to either draw from a utility or retail provider or from the renewable energy source. The virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) is hedged against escalation in electricity price.
As a significant provider of specialty pharmaceuticals, laboratory animals and diagnostic procedures, Charles River Laboratories is intent on sourcing all power from renewable electricity by 2030. The Pisgah project will represent 60 percent of company demand.
According to Gregg Belardo, Senior Director of Sustainability at Charles River, since 2018 the company has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent through renewable energy agreements and conservation.
Charles River Laboratories is the holding company of SPAFAS the major supplier of specific-pathogen free eggs and chicks and diagnostic reagents.