Walmart recently announced significant progress in its energy transformation strategy. This initiative aims to expand access to clean energy, create positive economic and environmental outcomes, and support the company’s growth as a sustainable retailer.
The company committed to enabling the construction of nearly 1 gigawatt (GW) of new clean energy projects across the United States. These projects prioritize high impact and quality, aiming to deliver benefits such as:
- Increased access to clean energy
- New tax revenue for communities
- Creation of local jobs
- Cost savings on energy bills for Walmart customers, members, and local communities (particularly low-to-moderate income households)
These new investments add to Walmart’s existing portfolio of over 600 renewable energy projects in operation or under development across 10 countries.
Community Solar Initiatives
Walmart partnered with Pivot Energy and Reactivate to develop two community solar and distributed generation portfolios. These projects, totaling 70 megawatts (MWac), will include 26 new installations across six states.
Once operational, these projects are estimated to:
- Produce 160,000 MWh of clean energy annually
- Support community solar subscriptions for approximately 13,000 households
- Generate $8 million in annual energy bill savings for households and businesses, with roughly $6 million benefiting low-to-moderate income communities
Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements
In addition to community solar, Walmart utilizes long-term renewable energy purchase agreements to expand grid capacity and reduce emissions. These agreements support new clean energy projects that:
- Create local jobs
- Generate tax revenue in rural communities
- Contribute to cleaner energy grids
- Advance Walmart’s renewable energy and emissions reduction goals, including achieving 100% renewable energy by 2035 and reaching zero emissions
These new projects add to the 2 GW of renewable energy projects previously facilitated by Walmart and represent additional agreements directly with utilities that will bring 77 MW of clean energy capacity to Louisiana, Michigan, and Texas.
Related Article: Walmart Suppliers Exceed Project Gigaton Goal Early, Reducing 1 Billion Metric Tons of Emissions
Walmart’s commitment to enabling 10 GW of new clean energy projects by 2030 reflects its dedication to serving customers, communities, and the environment. This initiative promotes a sustainable future by fostering an energy system built on clean energy, cost savings, and grid resilience. Walmart remains committed to seeking investments that expand clean energy capacity, empower customers and communities to save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future.