Diversified Communications Invests in Sustainable Energy in Home State of Maine
January 31, 2018
In a move that is quite a departure from their usual investment in events, Diversified Communications recently completed a collaborative project with ReVision Energy and Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) to build a 1.5 Megawatt solar energy farm.
The new system will provide electricity for Brunswick Landing, a business park located at the former Naval Air Station Brunswick in Brunswick, Maine.
As its largest solar installation in the Pine Tree State to-date, Portland-based ReVision Energy completed the 10-row, six-acre installation of more than 4,500 photovoltaic panels just before the new year.
Owned and operated by Diversified Communications, the new system, along with MRRA’s existing anaerobic digester biogas plant, is expected to produce enough sustainable energy to power almost the entire Brunswick Landing campus while eliminating more than two million pounds of CO2 emissions annually.
“Diversified is committed to supporting sustainability, especially in our home state of Maine, where our international headquarters is located and where we have roughly 200 of our employees,” explained Oakley Dyer, corporate vice president of strategy and corporate development for Diversified Communications.
He continued, “This was a unique opportunity to do so in a very tangible way with the construction of this solar farm. This is our first solar project, which we hope leads to others. In the past, we have also invested in a wind energy project on the coast of Maine.”
Diversified and MRRA unveiled the new system on Jan. 9 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 3,200-acre Brunswick Landing campus, which is currently home to more than 30 companies and features modern facilities, two million square feet of commercial and industrial space, and the Brunswick Executive Airport.
“We were just starting to look for new and meaningful investment opportunities when we learned of this community-based and environmentally impactful project right here in Maine,” said Theodore Wirth, president and CEO of Diversified Communications.
He continued, “Diversified’s primary business is in producing exhibitions and publishing, however, as we continue to grow we are diversifying in ways that reflect our values instilled by our Board of Directors.”
The solar project was made possible through a Power Purchase Agreement under which Diversified will sell the electricity to MRRA, owners of Brunswick Landing, for up to 25 years or until MRRA exercise their option to purchase the system outright.
“ReVision Energy and MRRA have been exceptional partners as we enter into a new market and explore a new business model,” Dyer said.
He added, “Going into 2018, we will continue to look for opportunities to diversify our business, through investments and acquisitions both in Maine and in the other regions where we operate.”
Diversified produces a wide range of exhibitions throughout the world, including the Seafood Expo North America, the International Workboat Show, Accountex and Commercial UAV Expo.
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