Meijer, a retailer, has signed a renewable power purchase agreement (VPPA), with Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions. This agreement states that Meijer will buy a portion of the energy generated by the project during its first 15 years of operation. The 1,800-acre site in Navarro County, Texas was the first to go. It is expected that the project will be completed by the end.
“At Meijer, we are motivated to make an impact in the local communities we serve, and beyond, by doing our part and taking the necessary steps to reduce carbon emissions,” says Rick Keyes, Meijer’s president and CEO. “Meijer has made significant progress over the years to integrate sustainability into our daily operations. We’re committed to these ongoing efforts and a project like this brings us closer to our industry leading sustainability goals.”
The Pisgah Ridge Solar Project will produce approximately 200,000 MWh each year for Meijer’s first year. This clean energy will account for a reduction of more than 103,000 metric tons of CO2e from the retailer’s operations.
“Renewable energy assets like the Pisgah Ridge Solar project contribute to a cleaner, stronger economy and help create a more diverse energy infrastructure,” states Chris Fallon, president of Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions. “We’re pleased to be working with Meijer to create jobs, strengthen the local economy and generate cleaner energy, while also helping them address their carbon reduction goal.”
“We’re proud to be part of this project to enable energy creation through a renewable energy source,” comments Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability at Meijer. “We believe we have a responsibility to improve the world around us because it’s the right thing to do.”
Schneider Electric supported Meijer during the selection of and negotiations to finance the solar project.
“As one of the largest Midwest supermarket chains, Meijer has made commitments to reduce their carbon emissions by 2025, and it is an honor for Schneider Electric to advise them on adding renewable energy to their portfolio,” says Steve Wilhite, president of Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business. “The need for organizations to take immediate action to decarbonize is at an all-time high, and we are excited to see organizations like Meijer leading the charge to include renewable energy as a part of their long-term strategy.”