Walmart and EDP Renewables (EDPR) have announced three power purchase agreements (PPAs) that will enable the construction of three new utility-scale wind farms in Illinois and Indiana.
EDPR will develop, own and operate the projects. Walmart’s cumulative 233 MW investment includes the following:
- 123 MW from the Bright Stalk Wind Farm, a 205 MW project in McLean County, Ill., with start of operations expected in 2019;
- 60 MW from the Headwaters II Wind Farm, a 200 MW project in Randolph County, Ind., with start of operations expected in 2020; and
- 50 MW from the Harvest Ridge Wind Farm, formerly the Broadlands Wind Farm, a 200 MW project in Douglas County, Ill., with start of operations expected in 2019.
The PPAs for the Bright Stalk and Headwaters II wind farms were part of an announcement EDPR issued on July 3. The PPA from the Harvest Ridge Wind Farm was part of an announcement EDPR issued on May 10.
Walmart’s purchases will produce enough electricity to power more than 60,000 average homes in Illinois and 15,000 average homes in Indiana with renewable energy each year. Additionally, these wind farms will bring economic benefits to their respective regions and states in the form of jobs, landowner and tax payments, and money spent in local communities, notes EDPR.
“Walmart has a goal to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy, and sourcing energy from wind farms developed by partners like EDP Renewables is a core component in the mix,” says Mark Vanderhelm, vice president of energy for Walmart. “Wind energy is an important part of our energy portfolio, and Walmart plans to continue our efforts to pursue renewable energy projects that are right for our customers, our business and the environment.”
“The declining cost of renewable power has led to an increase in clean energy procurement from companies like Walmart in recent years,” adds Miguel Prado, CEO of EDP Renewables North America. “The continued commitment from corporate entities in procuring renewable energy speaks volumes about the importance and value of securing fixed, competitive pricing over the long term.”
