ENGIE US Wind and Walmart Inc. have signed a deal involving two virtual renewable power purchase agreements (VPPAs) to enable the build-out of more than 366 MW of wind in different U.S. energy markets, all under a single procurement process.
Walmart has a goal of powering 50% of its operations with renewable energy by the end of 2025. Under the new agreements, Walmart is purchasing 166 MW from ENGIE’s Prairie Hill project in Texas and 200 MW from ENGIE’s King Plains project in Oklahoma.
The energy produced annually matches to portions of electricity load in Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers throughout parts of the ERCOT and Southwest Power Pool markets. Construction on both wind sites is underway.
“Sourcing from wind energy projects – like these from ENGIE – is a core component in the mix to meet our goals,” says Mark Vanderhelm, vice president of energy for Walmart. “The energy we’ll procure from these facilities represents an important leap forward on our renewable energy journey and reinforces Walmart’s broader mission to spark collective action – alongside key partners – to drive environmental sustainability.”
The deal complements Walmart’s existing VPPA with ENGIE for 150 MW at the Triple H wind project in South Dakota, where construction is also underway. Altogether, these deals bring Walmart and ENGIE’s collaboration to more than 500 MW of wind power in the U.S. market. Triple H, Prairie Hill and King Plains are part of a portfolio acquired in early 2018 by a subsidiary of ENGIE North America from Infinity Power Holdings, a joint venture between Infinity Renewables and MAP Energy.
“We are excited to expand our relationship with Walmart in such creative ways,” says Gwenaëlle Avice-Huet, CEO of ENGIE North America and executive vice president in charge of ENGIE’s global renewable business line. “Walmart’s leadership in promoting sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint in all aspects of its operations has set a truly amazing example for global companies that all should follow. Our companies are fully aligned to build a zero-carbon future together.”
