Intel Strengthens Its Renewable Energy Commitment
Intel will build PV installations targeted at eight U.S. locations in four states, generating ~2.5 MW, and has increased its renewable energy credit purchases by 10%, powering >51% of its estimated U.S. electricity use.
Alexander E. Braun, Senior Editor -- PV Society, 1/28/2010
Intel Corp. (Santa Clara, Calif.) announced that new contracts are in place to incorporate ~2.5 MW worth of new solar power projects at eight U.S. locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Oregon. Additionally, it reported that it has renewed and increased by 10% its purchase commitments for renewable energy credits (RECs) to >1.43 billion kWh — >51% of its estimated 2010 U.S. electricity use. These commitments will help the company achieve its 2012 goals related to water use, global-warming emissions, energy consumption, waste reduction and product energy efficiency.
"Intel is committed to renewable energy to reduce our own carbon footprint as well as to spur the market and make renewables more economically feasible for individuals and businesses to deploy," said Brian Krzanich, vice president and general manager of manufacturing and supply chain for Intel, adding that solar and other clean energy investments will continue to be a global priority for the company.
Intel's new solar installations are expected to be completed over the next seven months. If activated today, each project would rank as one of the 10 largest solar installations in its respective region. The panels planned for Intel's Chandler and Ocotillo campuses in Arizona would each currently be the fifth largest in the Salt River Project (SRP) service territory or, if combined, the second largest. The panels will be installed on the roofs of Intel's facilities, with the exception of the largest installation, a ~1 MW solar field in Folsom, Calif. The Folsom installation will span nearly 6 acres of land on campus, making it one of the largest non-utility ground mounts in California. All the installations will use the power generated at their respective sites, making them an efficient source of electricity with savings on grid delivery losses.
Artist’s concept of Intel’s projected 1 MW PV installation in Folsom, Calif. It will span nearly 6 acres of land, and will be one of California’s largest non-utility ground mounts. (Source: Intel)
Intel's latest REC purchases equate to ~51% of its estimated purchased electricity needs in the United States for 2010. This corresponds to the CO2 emissions from the electricity use of nearly 134,000 average American homes or almost 200,000 passenger cars removed from the streets for one year. Since 2001, Intel has invested >$30M and saved >650 million kWh from energy conservation and efficiency initiatives.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) again placed Intel at the top of its latest Green Power Partner List for 2010 as the largest voluntary, single purchaser of green power. Intel was previously honored with the EPA's Green Power Partner of the Year Award.
In July 2009, Intel Capital, the company's global investment organization, announced five clean-tech investments totaling >$10M. Intel Capital has invested >$125M in more than a dozen clean-tech companies across the world; four in solar PV.
Intel's Bangalore site in India hosted the company's first solar thermal installation — solar water heaters, which now supply nearly 100% of the total hot water requirements for two campuses, saving 70,000 kW per year.
