Clearloop, a carbon solutions provider, announced that Intuit, the global financial technology platform, and REI Co-op, a national specialty outdoor retailer, have inaugurated the new 2.8 MW White Pine Solar Farm in White Pine, Tennessee.
Intuit and REI supported the development of 1.4 MW of the solar project through Clearloop’s approach to helping organizations reclaim their carbon footprint. This combined effort is estimated to prevent more than 162 million pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere over the project's lifetime and will produce enough low-cost electricity to help power nearly 400 homes in the local community.
The solar project is also backed by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Dispersed Power Program and the cooperation of local power companies, including Morristown Utility Systems.
REI's collaboration in the project is helping to develop and demonstrate the company's commitment to prioritizing clean energy development with a focus on investing in underserved communities. Through the partnership, REI will also power its new distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee, with 100% renewable energy. This distribution center will serve more than 60 stores and 5.6 million customers in the area while using 30% less energy than code requires.
“The White Pine project represents an exciting addition to REI's renewable energy portfolio," said Matt Thurston, Divisional VP of Sustainability at REI Co-op. “Clearloop's vision to decarbonize the grid by supporting projects that expand access to clean energy in more communities—along with the project's investments in the local workforce and regenerative land practices—is one in which we strongly believe.”
The White Pine Solar Farm continues a partnership between Intuit and Clearloop that began in 2021 to decarbonize the grid and expand access to renewable energy across Tennessee. The project also advances Intuit's efforts with its Prosperity Hub Program in Morristown, Tennessee, to promote economic prosperity for underserved communities.
To further support the surrounding communities, Intuit will donate 1,600 renewable energy certificates annually for the next 40 years evenly across the Jefferson County and Hamblen County schools. In support of this decision. Clearloop will make a one-time scholarship donation of $100,000 to high school seniors within the two counties' schools.
"We take a holistic approach to climate and sustainability, driving initiatives internally within our operational footprint, supply chain, and externally in the communities we serve," said Debbie Lizt, Head of Global Sustainability at Intuit. "Our collaboration with Clearloop and the local community allows us to bring a meaningful and intentional focus to new solar projects in areas where we can provide environmental and economic benefits to the communities for years to come."
