Walmart moves closer to renewable future with big wind deal

Walmart has taken a big step towards becoming 100% supplied by renewable energy.

The discounter entered into a long-term power purchase agreement to buy the majority of the electricity generated by Pattern Energy Group’s new Logan's Gap Wind facility.

The 200 megawatt facility is in Comanche County, Texas.

"Walmart has a goal to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy, and sourcing from wind energy projects - like the Logan's Gap Wind Facility - is a core component in the mix," said Mark Vanderhelm, VP of energy for Walmart. "The energy we'll procure from this facility represents nearly one-fifth of the U.S. portion of our goal to source seven billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy by 2020. That's a significant leap forward on our renewable energy journey."

The facility will sell 75% of the electricity produced to Walmart and a financial institution. Walmart has a 10-year agreement with Pattern to acquire 58% of the expected output from the facility.

Walmart has not set a date for achieving its goal of being supplied by 100% renewable energy. But the chain recently reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy by joining RE100, a global initiative led by The Climate Group.