Intel proudly announced it was recognized as EPA Green Power Partner of the Year for its efforts to address climate change through green power purchases and its impact in advancing the renewable energy market. Intel signed a multi-year commitment to purchase more than 1.3 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy certificates (REC) per year, roughly 47 percent of its purchased electricity use. Furthermore, the firm also deployed renewable energy technologies at its sites in Bangalore, India, in Hillsboro, Oregon and New Mexico, while Intel Capital invested more than $100 million in solar energy projects this year.
"This is but one milestone in our long-term strategy to help make renewable energy more economically feasible and a realistic choice for individuals and corporations," said William Swope, vice president of Intel's Corporate Affairs Group. "Renewable energy investment is imperative to spur the growth of the nation's energy market and we'll continue this ramp along with our industry efforts."
In early 2008, Intel signed a multi-year commitment to purchase more than 1.3 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy certificates (REC) per year - enough power to meet approximately 47 percent of its purchased electricity use - and putting the company at the No. 1 spot on the EPA Fortune 500 Green Power Partners List. With a combination of RECs from Sterling Planet, Austin Energy and PNM, Intel's wide-ranging renewable energy portfolio includes wind projects in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest as well as solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in California. The EPA estimates that Intel's record purchase has the equivalent environmental impact of taking more than 185,000 cars off the road, or avoiding the amount of electricity needed to power more than 130,000 average American homes annually.
"Since Intel's purchase, we have seen a clear increase in market demand for renewable energy," said Mel Jones, Sterling Planet president and CEO. "Our contract backlog has grown more than 90 percent over the same period last year. Intel's commitment is having a significant impact on the market, while raising the bar and setting the example for corporate purchasers large and small."
In addition to its focus on stimulating the renewable energy market through purchasing power, Intel invests and innovates across a range of energy conservation activities, helping save more than $40 million in Intel operations since 2001.
