Walmart to expand clean energy usage in Michigan
Walmart Inc. is moving forward with its clean energy transformation strategy.
The discount giant has reached an agreement for Michigan energy provider Consumers Energy to supply 44 Walmart store locations in Consumers Energy's service territory in Michigan with clean power.
Under the agreement, Walmart is pledging to match 90% of the energy it uses across 44 select Michigan stores with renewable energy from future projects that Consumers Energy will develop in Michigan.
"Walmart's energy transformation roadmap is designed to prioritize high-impact, high quality clean energy opportunities that help add new clean energy capacity to the grid and secure reliable and emissions-free power for our operations," said Stephen Chriss, senior director for utility partnerships at Walmart. "We look forward to collaborating with Consumers Energy to add new clean energy capacity to Michigan's power grid."
"Developing new renewable energy resources for our customers reflects Consumers Energy's commitment to Michigan's clean energy future and the collaboration it takes to bring them to fruition," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy VP of customer experience. "By diversifying the energy portfolio, we are making a meaningful impact in adding critical new clean energy capacity to the grid while fostering economic growth and job creation in renewable energy."
Walmart commits to clean energy
Walmart continues to accelerate its energy transformation strategy as it works towards its goal to be 100% powered by renewable energy by 2035.
The retail giant recently said it has made commitments that will enable the construction of nearly 1 gigawatt (GW) of new clean energy projects across the country. The new investments will add to Walmart’s existing portfolio of more than 600 onsite and offsite renewable energy projects already in operation or under development in more than 10 countries.
As part of the new commitments, Walmart is investing in 19 solar projects under development across the country, including 15 community solar projects, with national renewable energy provider Pivot Energy. The strategic tax equity investment will drive the construction, operation and maintenance of a diverse solar project portfolio across five states: Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, Delaware and California.
Based in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.