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Enel Green Power North America, Inc. announced the signing of a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with lululemon athletica inc. enabling the athletic apparel company to achieve its goal of sourcing 100 % renewable electricity across its direct operations in North America by 2021.
Through the VPPA, which was facilitated by LevelTen Energy, lululemon will purchase the electricity delivered to the grid by a 15 MW portion of Enel Green Power’s North America Azure Sky Wind project in Texas, equivalent to the electricity used by all of lululemon’s company-operated stores, offices and warehouse facilities in North America. The agreement is lululemon’s first renewable energy VPPA and underscores the company’s investment to fueling its Impact Agenda.
The announcement helps lululemon achieve its RE100 commitment by 2021 and make progress against its Impact Agenda goals which include science-based targets by 2030. lululemon’s Impact Agenda, launched in October 2020, details the company’s strategy to become a more sustainable and equitable business, and outlines its vision to minimize environmental impact and contribute to a healthier world.
“Lululemon is committed to helping create an apparel industry that is both sustainable and inclusive, and addresses the serious implications of climate change, including working toward a net-zero future and cutting carbon emissions across our value chain,” said Esther Speck, VP Sustainable Business and Impact, lululemon. “Science clearly shows the urgent need to act now. That’s why, among others, we’ve partnered with Enel Green Power North America to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and reduce our emissions footprint. This agreement is an important milestone on our journey toward cleaner energy and a healthier planet.”
Located west of the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Throckmorton County, Texas, the Azure Sky Wind and Storage project includes a 350 MW wind project paired with approximately 137 MWof battery storage and is expected to be operational in the first half of 2022.
The project consisting of 79 wind turbines – is being constructed in accordance with Enel Green Power’s North America Sustainable Design and Construction model and is expected to generate over 1,300 GWh each year, which will be delivered to the grid and will charge the battery located in the same facility. The battery storage system will be capable of storing the power generated by the wind turbines, while also providing services to enhance grid flexibility. At around 137 MW, the system will be one of the largest battery storage facilities in the world.
