AT&T has signed two solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Vitol, an energy trader, it has announced. The virtual PPAs are for approximately 80MW and 75 MW at solar projects in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The two projects are expected to be fully operational by 2022 and 2023, respectively.
This move works towards the company’s goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations by 2035. The power will be purchased from the Bluegrass solar project in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, and the Swiftwater solar project in Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Speaking about this development, Charlene Lake, chief sustainability officer and SVP-Corporate Social Responsibility at AT&T, said: “Purchasing renewable energy and other steps to reach carbon neutrality form one part of our three-pronged climate strategy.” Adding: “Our other focus areas are delivering connectivity solutions to enable our business customers to reduce their emissions and building resilience to extreme weather for our business and our communities. Across all three pillars, collaborators like Vitol help us get closer to our goals.”
Joe Taylor, vice president of global infrastructure optimization and implementation at AT&T, added: “AT&T is investing in renewable energy because it is good for the planet and good for our business. In addition to reducing our emissions footprint, deals like the ones with Vitol allow us to hedge against changes in energy costs and support economic development in communities we serve. It’s a win-win-win.”
Andrew de Pass, Head of Renewables, Vitol Inc., commented that localized renewable generation increasingly enables corporations to “own and address their emissions.” Adding: “Our highly connected way of life consumes huge amounts of energy and we are delighted to be working with AT&T to help develop sustainable energy solutions for their business.”
