AT&T signs huge renewable energy purchase agreement

AT&T has agreed to purchase 520 megawatts of renewable energy, in what is being signalled as one of the largest corporate agreements to date.

The American telecommunications giant announced the news yesterday, which will see the company buy wind power from two projects in the US states of Texas and Oklahoma. The power is the equivalent to providing electricity for 250,000 homes a year. It is also expected to generate savings equivalent to taking 350,000 passenger vehicles off the road.

“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.” 

The company has also signed on to a set of principles which help guide and support corporate companies make cost-effective renewable energy purchases from the grid. The initiative is being led by WWF and the World Resources Institute.

“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, WWF’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”.

The deal forms part of the company’s stated goal of making carbon savings which are 10 times its global footprint by 2025. The ambitious target is made more significant given the huge reach of the conglomerate: it employs 256,000 people in 57 countries.

It has been working for a decade on making energy efficient savings and environmental commitments across its business. These projects have reportedly saved 99,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. 

 

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