The Bristol Landfill Solar Project launched on July 25
The company’s commitment marks a milestone in its dedication to sustainable growth and to being a good environmental steward in Rhode Island.
North Kingstown, Rhode Island (August 8, 2024)—Toray Plastics (America), Inc., announces it now purchases 100 percent of the energy generated from the Bristol Landfill Solar Project, which officially launched operations at a ribbon cutting held on July 25. The 6.875 MWdc solar project sits on 90 acres, consists of 20,692 solar panels, and will generate 8,700,000 kWh of clean, renewable energy. This output is estimated to be equivalent to the energy needed to power more than 700 homes and businesses or offset 9 million miles driven by gasoline-powered vehicles annually. The project was developed by NuGen Capital Management, LLC, and the Town of Bristol. Among the attendees at the event were Toray’s Christopher Roy, John Eustis, and John Ranieri; representatives from NuGen; Chris Kearns, Acting Commissioner, Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources; project partners and supporters; municipal leaders from the Town of Bristol; and members of the Rhode Island General Assembly.
“The Toray team is thrilled to be a part of the Bristol Landfill Solar Project, which marks a significant milestone for Rhode Island’s and Toray’s sustainability goals,” says Christopher Roy, President, CEO, and COO of Toray Plastics (America), Inc. “This project underscores our unwavering dedication to sustainable growth and investment in the communities where we operate.”
NuGen supports the state’s efforts to transform brownfields and landfills into clean energy producers that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve the natural beauty of the state. NuGen leveraged its solar development expertise to transform the site into a beacon of clean energy, enhancing the community and supporting the state’s vision and clean energy ambitions. The company collaborated closely with the local community and generated approximately 130 jobs during the last two years.
“All of us at NuGen are incredibly excited to see years of hard work and collaboration lead to the successful completion of a needed and important solar project for the State of Rhode Island,” says David Milner, CEO, NuGen Capital Management, LLC. “This project has been a labor of love, and we extend our gratitude to all of our partners and the dedicated team of workers whose invaluable contributions have enabled us to deliver a significant supply of clean energy to our home state.”
“Congratulations to the Town of Bristol for advancing this project on their property,” says Chris Kearns, Acting Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources. “The use of landfills for constructing solar systems is an excellent example of repurposing these limited-use contaminated sites. This project contributes to our state’s objective of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2033.”
Liz Tanner, Rhode Island’s Secretary of Commerce, was unable to attend the ribbon cutting and sent her remarks. “Rhode Island Commerce’s Renewable Energy Fund is proud to have supported the development of the state’s latest solar farm. This investment allowed us to turn an environmental challenge into an opportunity for clean energy production, sustainability, and innovative land use.”
Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is a leading manufacturer of polyester, polypropylene, and metallized films and polypropylene and polyethylene foams. The company is committed to environmental, social, and corporate governance and aims to contribute to society through the creation of new value with innovative ideas, technologies, and products that help address global issues. R&D is focused on the development of materials that are fossil fuel-free, compostable, biodegradable, and/or recyclable. The company’s sustainability initiative, launched in 2004, includes the operating of three solar farms and two cogeneration systems, the purchase of 100 percent of the energy generated by the Bristol Landfill Solar Project, energy and water conservation, recycling, and zero landfill.
Toray Plastics (America) is a subsidiary of the Toray Group, which believes that materials can change lives and provide real solutions to the challenges the world faces. The Toray Group is the world leader in synthetic fibers and textiles, carbon fibers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance films and has annual sales exceeding US$18.4 billion. For more information about Toray Plastics (America)’s products, contact James Ota, Torayfan Product Manager, at james.ota.e7@mail.toray or 401-594-5837. Toray Plastics (America)’s headquarters is located at 50 Belver Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852-7500; telephone 401-294-4511, fax 401-294-3410. Visit the Toray Plastics (America), Inc., website at www.toraytpa.com.
Ribbon-cutting participants pictured above, left to right:
- Nathan Calouro, Bristol Town Council Chair
- June Speakman, State Representative
- Linda Ujifusa, State Senator
- Diane Williamson, Community Development Director, Town of Bristol
- Steven Contente, Bristol Town Administrator
- Christopher Roy, President, CEO, and COO, Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
- David Milner, Founder & CEO, NuGen Capital Management
- Walter Felag, State Senator
- Chris Kearns, Acting Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources
- Antonio Teixeira, Bristol Town Councilor
- Timothy Sweeney, Bristol Town Councilor