Constellation, an Exelon company, has signed a deal with Starbucks to power more than 340 company-operated Illinois stores with 100% renewable energy produced by Enel Green Power North America’s HillTopper wind project in Logan County, Ill.
The agreement is made possible by a separate long-term deal between Enel and Constellation under which Constellation will purchase a 14 MW portion of the energy generated by HillTopper.
“It’s exciting to see Starbucks continue its commitment to play a role in the growth of renewable energy markets,” says Rebecca Zimmer, director of global environmental impact for Starbucks. “We are identifying and investing in new green power projects that are close to our retail communities and give our store partners a story they can be proud of.”
The agreements enable Starbucks to support the generation of approximately 48,000 MWh of wind power from EGP’s HillTopper wind project – enough to brew nearly 100 million cups of coffee, or more than seven cups of coffee for every Illinois resident. It will also deliver an annual environmental benefit equivalent to removing nearly 8,000 passenger vehicles from the road, says Constellation.
“Constellation is dedicated to providing clean energy solutions that help our customers meet their environmental goals,” comments Mark Huston, president of Constellation’s national retail business. “Starbucks is among the nation’s top purchasers of renewable electricity, and it is fitting that they chose Constellation to sustainably power hundreds of their Illinois locations.”
The agreement leverages the Constellation Offsite Renewables (CORe) offering, which increases access to renewable energy for commercial and industrial customers. Edison Energy provided renewable energy market access, project due diligence and customer education to support the transaction process.
The HillTopper wind farm is expected to enter into service by the end of this year. The facility will have a total capacity of 185 MW and, once fully operational, will be able to generate around 570 GWh of electricity annually. The project also has corporate power agreements in place with companies including Bloomberg LP, General Motors and Comcast Spectacor.
