Walmart powers up Red Bluff wind turbine

Red Bluff, Calif. -- Walmart's wind turbine at its distribution center in Red Bluff, Calif., is now operational. The wind turbine is Walmart's first onsite industrial-sized wind turbine and will generate approximately 2,200,000 kilowatt-hours of power, providing up to 20% of the distribution center's annual electricity use. U.S. House Representative Wally Herger joined local officials, as well as Walmart and Foundation Windpower executives, to commemorate the pilot project.



The GE SLE 1.0 Megawatt Wind Turbine is comparable in height to a typical 20-story building, with a tower measuring 265 ft. tall and a blade spanning 250 ft. in diameter. Under the terms of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Foundation Windpower the project will contribute to energy expense savings as well as provide price certainty for the electricity produced. Foundation Windpower installs, owns, and operates the wind turbine while Walmart purchases the power produced at a fixed rate. Red Bluff was selected for the installation because it provides an ideal environment for an installation of this scale, with good wind conditions and available land already owned by Walmart.



"The Red Bluff pilot project is a shining example of how Walmart has made the serious commitment to finding renewable energy solutions for its operations as we work towards the goal of being supplied by 100% renewable energy," said Kim Saylors-Laster, VP energy at Walmart. "With the Red Bluff wind turbine now fully operational, we look forward to continuing to explore renewable energy alternatives to support our operations and reduce our utility costs throughout the country and around the world."