Walmart, an American multinational retail company, has made a number of deals with solar developers all over the US. With these deals, Walmart makes big commitments to solar energy to reach its goal of adding 1 GW of clean energy to its sites by the end of 2030. This can be done through solar panels and energy storage. The company has also promised to add 2 GW of community-scale solar projects. These projects let people who pay for electricity to subscribe to a part of a solar project that is not on-site. Walmart has promised to add 10 GW of clean energy capacity by the end of 2030. That’s about 2 million homes’ worth of power.
PPA with EDP Renewables NA
Walmart has entered into a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) in Texas for a 162 MW segment of a 180 MW solar project. EDPR NA is one of the biggest developers and operators of renewable energy in Texas.
They have put in more than 1.2 GW of utility-scale renewable capacity across the state. Millions of dollars will be paid to the landowners through lease payments, and local governments will get about $42 million, which will help schools, infrastructure, and other public services. 300 jobs are expected to be created during the building of the project.
Partnered with Pivot Energy
Walmart has also partnered with Pivot Energy to invest in 19 solar projects across the United States, including 15 community solar projects. The tax equity investment will help build, run, and maintain solar projects in California, Maryland, Colorado, Illinois, and Delaware.
Walmart’s investment will help make 72 MW of community solar projects possible. Of these, 41 MW will be in Colorado and will serve homes with low and moderate incomes. It is expected that the community solar projects will be finished in 2024 and 2025. They will serve about 7,000 homes and save subscribers about $6 million a year.
Some of Pivot Energy’s projects will be dual-use agrivoltaics projects that grow crops under the solar arrays. The arrays will have drip irrigation put in, and plants will grow between the rows. Pivot Energy said it also wants to help sheep graze and improve habitats at some of the project sites.
Walmart’s commitment to renewable energy is part of its larger goal to become a regenerative company powered by 100% renewable energy in its own operations by 2035. Walmart currently has more than 600 on-site and off-site projects in operation or under development across 10 countries.
In conclusion, Walmart makes big commitments to solar snergy through its multiple agreements with solar developers across the United States. These will help the corporation to achieve its renewable energy goals.
These agreements will also benefit local communities, creating jobs and generating revenue for local governments. By investing in community solar projects, Walmart is helping to make renewable energy accessible to low-income and moderate-income households.
Source: Walmart Accelerates Clean Energy Purchases and Investments of New Projects Across the U.S.