The world’s largest retailer, Walmart, has announced SunEdison to be one of two firms to install up to 400 new solar power systems at Walmart facilities across the USA.
The project works towards Walmart’s ultimate goal of being supplied by 100 percent renewable energy and a 2020 target of sourcing or producing seven billion kWh of renewable energy.
SunEdison has had a lengthy association with the retailer.
“SunEdison is one of Walmart’s earliest solar providers with projects dating back to 2007,” said Katherine Jennrich, senior manager of energy services at Walmart.
So far, Walmart has installed approximately 260 solar projects in the United States, with a collective capacity of 105 MW. According the Solar Energy Industries Association, the company has the most installed commercial solar capacity in the U.S.
“These projects bring us closer to fulfilling our commitment to double the number of on-site solar energy projects in U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers – thereby reducing our energy expenses and generating clean energy in local communities,” said Kim Saylors-Laster, vice president of energy at Walmart.
Smaller solar power systems installed during this latest project will generate 10 to 20 percent of the facility’s electricity requirements and larger solar panel arrays will provide 20 to 30 percent of the power required.
Walmart says it has more than 335 renewable energy projects globally supplying 2.2 billion kilowatt hours of clean electricity each year; approximately 24.2% of the firm’s power needs.
Energy efficiency is another area Walmart is seeking to improve in. “By Dec. 31, 2020, we have committed to reducing the energy per square foot intensity required to power our buildings around the world by 20% (compared to our 2010 baseline of stores),” states the company’s corporate web site.
The announcement of the solar project was the second high-profile deal to come to fruition for SunEdison (NYSE: SUNE) in the USA last week. Last Tuesday, SunEdison and TerraForm Power, Inc. (NASDAQ: TERP) announced the signing of a USD $2.4 billion agreement to acquire First Wind, one of the leading developers and operators of wind farms in the USA.
