EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) and Walmart have signed a 15-year PPA for a portion of a 180 MWac solar project in Texas. Under the agreement, Walmart will be an off-taker for 162 MWac, complimenting its current corporate procurement from EDPR NA projects of 233 MWac of utility-scale solar and wind energy and 36 MWac of distributed solar.
The utility-scale project will produce enough energy to power more than 27,000 homes in Texas each year. It has also contributed significant economic benefits to landowners and predicts additional payments of $42 million to local governments to benefit schools, local infrastructure, and other essential public services over its operational life. The project has also donated $10,000 to the local school district near the site.
Through collaboration with local business owners, landowners, and other community members, the project's continued development and eventual operations will increase local community investment, supporting local stores, restaurants, hotels, and construction-related businesses. It is also expected to create 300 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and three permanent operations jobs.
The expansion builds on Walmart’s existing portfolio of over 600 on- and off-site renewable energy projects in service or under development in over 10 countries. Walmart aims to put 10 GW of new clean energy projects into service on- and off-site by 2030.
"This project with EDPR NA builds on our long-term collaboration and is well aligned with Walmart's efforts to expand clean energy capacity and help our customers and communities save money and live better. By providing meaningful economic benefits to local communities, including new local jobs, this project will help build a stronger community, a stronger energy grid as well as contribute toward our operational clean energy goals," said Frank Palladino, VP, Renewable Energy Strategy at Walmart.
