May 12, 2008

Allentown, PA, USA: PPL, Schering-Plough Developing One of Largest Rooftop Solar Installations in United States

PPL Renewable Energy is planning to design, construct and operate a 1.7-megawatt solar system for Schering-Plough Corporation in Summit, New Jersey. When completed, the green energy project will be one of the largest rooftop solar installations in the United States.

"PPL continues to increase its investment in renewable energy projects with a varied and growing portfolio of projects throughout New Jersey, the mid-Atlantic and New England," said Paul T. Champagne, president of PPL Energy Services Group. PPL Renewable Energy is a division of PPL Energy Services Group.

"Continued competition in the electric market will help fuel the growth of clean energy sources and make it possible for more projects like this to become a reality," he said.

With this project, PPL will own or control solar projects with a total installed capacity of about 10 megawatts. PPL continues to explore partnership opportunities to develop additional solar energy projects in New Jersey and throughout the 13-state power market managed by PJM Interconnection. The solar system will be built on eight rooftops on buildings throughout Schering-Plough's campus in Summit. PPL Renewable Energy will own and operate the system and supply power to Schering-Plough.

The renewable energy credits will be purchased by PPL EnergyPlus, the company's unregulated energy marketing affiliate, as part of a coordinated effort to increase development of renewable energy projects. Using solar power in place of conventional energy will enable Schering-Plough to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, or carbon footprint.

Schering-Plough will use the solar power generated toward its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent by 2012. The system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.3 million pounds each year, equivalent to conserving 65,900 gallons of gasoline.

Rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels can significantly reduce energy bills by generating electricity during the daytime or "peak" hours when power prices are highest and the facility consumes the most energy.

"Solar energy technology helps reduce clients'; operating costs by using a reliable and renewable power source to meet their energy needs," said Steve Gabrielle, senior business development manager of PPL Renewable Energy. "Schering-Plough will be able to use the clean energy supplied by the solar panels to meet about 12 percent of its peak energy needs."

The project is expected to be operating by the end of 2008.

Since 2002, PPL has been developing, building and operating renewable energy facilities including solar and landfill gas-to-energy plants throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Over the next five years, PPL plans to invest at least $100 million in new renewable energy projects, including solar, landfill gas and biomass plants.

The company also expects to invest $500 million to add 156 megawatts of hydroelectric capacity at existing facilities in Maine, Montana and Pennsylvania. PPL Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, develops, owns, operates and maintains renewable energy projects in the northeastern United States. PPL Corporation, headquartered in Allentown, Pa., controls more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to about 4 million customers in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom.

Further details about: PPL Renewable Energy