AT&T Announces One of the Largest Corporate Renewable Energy Purchases; Signs on to Corporate Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles

AT&T will purchase 520 megawatts (MW) of wind power through 2 agreements with subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest operator of renewable energy projects. Together, these deals constitute one of the largest corporate renewable energy purchases in the U.S. It’s also a key component of their goal to develop and leverage technology solutions that enable carbon savings 10 times the footprint of their operations by 2025.

220 MW of power will come from the Minco V Wind Farm located in Caddo County, Oklahoma. 300 MW will come from a wind farm in Webb and Duval Counties in Texas. The projects are expected to generate savings equivalent to taking 350,595 passenger vehicles off the road or providing electricity for a quarter million homes a year.

“As one of the world’s largest companies, we know how we source our energy is important,” said Scott Mair, President, AT&T Operations. “Many companies are focused on their own carbon footprint but we believe our industry can do more. We’ve been working for a long time to ensure our wind projects deliver for both our business and the environment. We will continue to explore renewable energy solutions to help create a better, more sustainable world.”

As part of this purchase, AT&T are also signing on to the Corporate Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles. The group is led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is made up of large energy buyers working to spur progress on renewable energy and fulfil their increased demand for it. AT&T is also a member of the Business Renewables Center, an initiative that, along with the Buyers’ Principles, forms part of the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance.

“AT&T’s decision to scale up its use of renewable energy is a signal of the growing power of corporate demand to drive energy markets,” said Marty Spitzer, World Wildlife Fund’s Senior Director of Renewable Energy and Climate. “Big companies setting big commitments is key to driving our nation’s transition toward a clean energy future. AT&T is joining the ranks of companies for whom renewable energy is the new normal.”

“We’re proud to work with AT&T to achieve one of the largest U.S. corporate renewable energy purchases,” said Mike O’Sullivan, senior vice president of development, NextEra Energy Resources. “It’s clear that renewable energy presents a tremendous opportunity to power America’s companies with clean, affordable electricity and AT&T is helping to lead the way forward. Renewable projects like these also drive growth in rural communities, creating good jobs, providing additional revenue and generating positive economic impact.”

The large-scale renewable energy purchase is one part of their larger commitment to the environment and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Since 2010, they have implemented more than 65,000 energy efficiency projects resulting in annualized savings of $427 million. By the end of 2016, they also reduced fleet emissions by 99,000 metric tons of CO2e and reduced the size of their domestic fleet by 1,800 vehicles.

In addition, AT&T recognizes that climate change is a problem, and have stated their committment to going beyond their own operations to be part of the solution. The company state they are collaborating closely with customers and technology leaders to deliver innovative solutions that can enable carbon reductions.