Wal-Mart Commits to Renewable Wind Power

Bentonville, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores said Thursday that it will make its first substantial purchase of wind energy to power operations in Texas.

The renewable energy, which will come from a Duke Energy wind farm under construction in Notrees, Texas, will supply up to 15% of the retailer’s total energy load for approximately 360 Texas stores and other Wal-Mart facilities. The wind farm will begin producing electricity for the chain by April 2009.

“We're purchasing renewable power at traditional energy rates," said Kim Saylors-Laster, VP of energy for Wal-Mart. "The wind-power purchase will result in a significant decrease of greenhouse-gas emissions and aligns perfectly with Wal-Mart's long-term goal of being supplied by 100% renewable energy."

The project will provide roughly 226 million kilowatt-hours (kwh) of renewable power each year. This is the energy equivalent of washing 108 million loads of laundry, a company statement reported.

By purchasing this renewable energy, Wal-Mart will avoid producing more than 139,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year. This is equal to taking approximately 25,000 cars off the road or eliminating the CO2 produced by 18,000 homes annually, the statement said.