Railway company Norfolk Southern announced a series of renewable energy purchases, sourcing 59,000 MWh hours of 100% renewable energy to help power the company’s operations in Altoona and Reading, Pennsylvania.
The agreements were signed with First Energy utility companies Penelec and Met-Ed, and include energy generated from sources including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric.
Panos Kokkinos, Director Facilities Services at Norfolk Southern, said:
“This is a first of its kind partnership for our company but shows we are committed to sustainability when we purchase the energy that powers our facilities. Where there’s an opportunity, we want to do the right thing for our company, the environment, and the local communities where we operate,”
Through the purchases, which will be spread over three-year and four-year contracts, the company plans to use renewable energy for approximately 28% of its electricity consumption in Pennsylvania, offsetting emissions produced from the electricity used to power Norfolk Southern’s offices and facilities in the regions. Earlier this year, the company announced a science-based emissions reductions commitment to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 2034, from a 2019 baseline.
Norfolk stated that the new announcement will help the company reach its goal of having renewable sources comprise 30% of its total energy usage by 2030.
Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer at Norfolk Southern, said:
“This renewable energy partnership showcases how we continue to live our values and honor our commitments as a responsible corporate citizen. The clean energy market is ripe with opportunities and renewable energy will be a big focus area to help Norfolk Southern achieve sustainability goals going forward.”
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