Wal-Mart Deploys Wind Turbine

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores here said Tuesday it has installed its first onsite large-scale wind turbine at a distribution center in Red Bluff, Calif.

The turbine is expected to be operational by the fall. According to Wal-Mart, the wind turbine will provide approximately one megawatt of power, or 15% to 20% of the facility's annual electrical use. It will produce approximately 2.2 million kilowatt hours annually, the company added; and, over the term of the power purchase agreement, it will help Wal-Mart save on energy expenses while providing price certainty for the electricity produced.

More Wal-Mart news: Wal-Mart Opens 1st California Neighborhood Market

Greg Pool, senior manager of renewable energy and emissions and project manager for the Red Bluff installation, said the wind turbine is part of the company's goal to be supplied by 100% renewable energy.

"We found the perfect environment for an installation at Red Bluff, including good wind conditions and open land that we own. As a result, we expect to reduce our energy costs from the day we flip the 'on' switch."

He said Wal-Mart will evaluate the results at Red Bluff to determine the potential for similar installations at other distribution centers.

Suggested Categories	More from Supermarketnews
Top 75 Retailers & Wholesalers Top 50 Small Chains & Independents Top 25 Global Retailers 2012 Power 50 SN Photo Galleries	Laws & Regulations Sustainability Supplier News Financial Performance Community Service