In support of strategic initiatives to use alternative or renewable sources to meet 20 percent of its energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing facilities by 25 percent by 2020, Caterpillar Inc. recently transitioned the power for its Northern Ireland facilities to “green” electricity.

As of May, all electric power for the company’s FG Wilson manufacturing plants in Northern Ireland has been supplied by Airtricity, a fully integrated renewable electricity utility specializing in the development and long-term ownership of onshore and offshore wind farms and selling the electricity generated.

“Transferring our consumption from traditional energy sources to more renewable sources is an important step in reaching our 2020 goals and being recognized as a sustainable company,” said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar group president.

Through the agreement, the facilities will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 11,000 tons per year — the equivalent weight of CO2 produced by powering 6,000 homes.

“Airtricity supplies FG Wilson with electricity produced by wind farms,” said Bill Rohner, vice-president of Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division. “Sustainability is a key element of our corporate strategy and switching to green electricity is central to that.”

This is Caterpillar’s first production site to be 100-percent supplied by renewable electricity.

More information about Caterpillar’s 2020 goals and sustainable development efforts can be found in the company’s annual sustainability report at www.cat.com.