American Hypermarket Retail Chain Commits To 1 GW RE
- Walmart has signed on clean energy agreements representing nearly 1 GW capacity in the US
- It comprises contracts signed with NextEra Energy Resources, EDPR NA and Invenergy
- The group says it is also enabling the construction of 70 MW AC community solar capacity under Reactivate and Pivot Energy contracts
US retail giant Walmart has signed multiple agreements representing nearly 1 GW new clean energy capacity, including community solar, with various companies in the US as part of its plans to enable 10 GW of new clean energy projects by 2030. The group aims to become 100% renewable energy powered by 2035.
"Through these long-term agreements, Walmart is enabling new clean energy projects that help support local jobs, generate new tax revenue in rural communities, drive clean energy to local grids and deliver meaningful progress toward our renewable energy and emissions reduction goals," shares Walmart.
It has entered renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPA) for a total 842 MW new solar PV capacity developed by NextEra Energy Resources, EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) and Invenergy. Walmart says these projects represent commitments by Walmart in new regions, including its home state of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
The list includes 15-year PPA for a portion for 162 MW AC out of EDPR NA's 180 MW AC Texas solar project. With EDPR NA, Walmart is already under contract for 233 MW AC utility-scale solar and wind energy, and 36 MW AC distributed solar capacity.
It has also signed up for 2 community solar and distributed generation portfolios with a combined 70 MW AC capacity. These 26 projects are being developed by Pivot Energy and Reactivate across 6 US states (see North America Solar PV News Snippets).
Once operational, Walmart says these are expected to generate 160,000 MWh clean energy annually, which will be enough to support community solar subscriptions for 13,000 residential households in the country.
The multinational hypermarket chain says it has also executed several clean energy agreements directly with utilities resulting in an additional 77 MW of capacity in Louisiana, Michigan and Texas.