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Press Releases

9/10/2020 - Walmart and Schneider Electric Announce Groundbreaking Collaboration to Help Suppliers Access Renewable Energy
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Walmart and Schneider Electric Announce Groundbreaking Collaboration to Help Suppliers Access Renewable Energy
Source: PR Newswire
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Walmart Inc. and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation today announced a new collaboration that will provide increased access to renewable energy for Walmart's US-based suppliers, enabling them to lead on climate action. The groundbreaking initiative, called the Gigaton PPA (GPPA) Program, is designed to educate Walmart suppliers about renewable energy purchases and accelerate renewable energy adoption by participating suppliers through aggregate power purchase agreements (PPA).
The program directly supports Walmart's Project Gigaton, which aims to avoid one gigaton (one billion metric tons) of carbon dioxide from Walmart's global value chain by 2030. To date, more than 2,300 suppliers from 50 countries are participating in Project Gigaton. Suppliers have reported a cumulative 230 million metric tons of avoided emissions since 2017 – more than 20% of the goal – through energy, waste, packaging, agriculture, forests, and product use and design. 
"The Gigaton PPA Program is the kind of innovation-in-action needed to help our suppliers take the next step towards low-carbon emissions, helping to build a more sustainable future for our communities," said Zach Freeze, Senior Director, Sustainability at Walmart. "Through Schneider Electric's work with our suppliers, the program aims to democratize access to renewable energy, and accelerate its use with our supplier base."
While corporate renewable energy procurement is on the rise, the overall number of companies involved is still relatively low, with just over 100 unique companies participating in the U.S. renewable energy market since 2008, according to the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance Deal Tracker. Some of the challenges to accessing renewable energy experienced by smaller companies include a lack of size needed to approach the market individually, insufficient education on the specific mechanics of renewable energy transactions and guidance on how to secure renewable energy.
The GPPA initiative was designed to help overcome these barriers, making it possible for more companies to learn about energy purchases, access renewable energy, reduce emissions and increase their ability to contribute towards Project Gigaton. The GPPA program works by educating participants on the renewable energy market, providing guidance on the projects, and bringing together interested companies to contract for renewable energy as a cohort, leveraging the size of the group to achieve an economy of scale. Walmart will serve as the convening champion for the program, inviting suppliers to join.
The company has collaborated with Schneider Electric's Energy & Sustainability Services (ESS) to run the GPPA Program, utilizing Schneider Electric's NEO Network™, a global collaboration platform and community of more than 300 corporate renewable energy purchasers and solution providers. Schneider Electric's team of leading renewable energy experts will engage participating Walmart suppliers and facilitate a multi-phase education and project selection process to advance supplier progress towards the execution of aggregated renewable energy purchases. Schneider Electric's ESS is the largest global consultant on corporate renewable purchasing, having advised companies, including Walmart, on over 100 utility-scale PPA purchases across North America, Europe, India, Australia and Latin America for a total of more than 8,000 megawatts of wind and solar power.
"It is our honor to work with Walmart on this revolutionary program," said Steve Wilhite, Senior Vice President, Schneider Electric. "The company is demonstrating significant leadership by increasing access to utility-scale renewable energy opportunities for their suppliers as part of the Project Gigaton ambition. The GPPA program aims to bring a significant amount of new wind and solar to the grid at a time when climate action is most urgent."
For more than a decade, Walmart has been working with suppliers, NGOs and others to inspire positive change across global supply chains. In its own operations, Walmart has set a goal to be powered 50% by renewable energy by 2025 and currently the company powers an estimated 29% of its operations with renewable energy. Walmart and Schneider Electric are also members of the Renewable Energy Buyer's Alliance, a coalition that brings together purchasers and suppliers of renewable energy to make the process of transitioning to cleaner energy sources easier.
Walmart suppliers can learn more about the GPPA program, and the participation criteria, at www.gigatonppa.com.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 265 million customers and members visit approximately 11,500 stores under 56 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2020 revenue of $524 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
About Schneider Electric
At Schneider, we believe access to energy and digital is a basic human right. We empower all to do more with less, ensuring Life Is On everywhere, for everyone, at every moment.
We provide energy and automation digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability. We combine world-leading energy technologies, real-time automation, software and services into integrated solutions for Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries.
We are committed to unleash the infinite possibilities of an open, global, innovative community that is passionate with our Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.
www.se.com
Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Blog
Hashtags: #SchneiderElectric #Walmart #GigatonPPA #ProjectGigaton #renewableenergy
View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/walmart-and-schneider-electric-announce-groundbreaking-collaboration-to-help-suppliers-access-renewable-energy-301127451.html
SOURCE Schneider Electric

Article Date
9/10/2020
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6/11/2019 - Walmart, US Solar Announce Agreement for 36 Community Solar Gardens
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Walmart, US Solar Announce Agreement for 36 Community Solar Gardens
Source: PR Newswire
BENTONVILLE, Ark. and MINNEAPOLIS, June 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Walmart announced that it has reached an agreement with US Solar to subscribe to 36 of US Solar's community solar gardens located throughout the state of Minnesota.
US Solar's 36 one-megawatt (MW) community solar gardens will generate clean, renewable energy and provide energy savings to Walmart locations in 13 separate counties. The first solar gardens have completed construction and the remainder are targeted to be online by the first half of 2020.
Community solar in Minnesota allows businesses, public entities, and residents to subscribe to an offsite solar garden without having to site solar directly on their property, thereby enabling subscribers to reduce their retail electricity costs while also supporting clean, local energy.  Subscribers receive energy savings in the form of a bill credit on their retail electric bill based on the amount of energy produced each month by their subscribed portion of the solar gardens.
"Solar is a vital component of Walmart's expanding renewable energy portfolio," said Mark Vanderhelm, Vice President of Energy for Walmart Inc. "Walmart plans to tirelessly pursue renewable energy projects that are right for our customers, our business and the environment. This community solar gardens initiative with US Solar is moving us in the right direction toward our renewable energy goals."
"We commend Walmart for their leadership in corporate renewable energy adoption and are proud to have Walmart as an anchor subscriber in so many of our projects, supporting further development of community solar in Minnesota," said Martin Mobley, US Solar CEO. 
The bill credits that Walmart will receive are based on Minnesota's Value of Solar methodology, which takes into consideration the value of the solar energy delivered to the utility by the community solar gardens, as well as other grid and environmental benefits. 
About Walmart 
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 275 million customers and members visit our more than 11,300 stores under 58 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2019 revenue of $514.4 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart  and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
About US Solar 
United States Solar Corporation ("US Solar") makes solar energy accessible with simple solutions that are as good for the wallet as they are for the environment. US Solar is a developer, owner, operator, and financier of solar generation projects with a focus on emerging markets and community solar programs. With its primary offices in Minnesota and Connecticut, US Solar helps residents, public entities, and businesses reduce electricity costs with local, renewable energy. Additional information about US Solar and community solar subscriptions can be found by visiting https://us-solar.com/ and https://facebook.com/USSOLARcorp/.
 
View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/walmart-us-solar-announce-agreement-for-36-community-solar-gardens-300865501.html
SOURCE US Solar

Article Date
6/11/2019
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6/6/2019 - Electrify America, Walmart Announce Completion of over 120 Charging Stations at Walmart Stores Nationwide with Plans for further Expansion
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Electrify America, Walmart Announce Completion of over 120 Charging Stations at Walmart Stores Nationwide with Plans for further Expansion
Source: PR Newswire
RESTON, Va. and BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Electrify America and Walmart announced today that more than 120 plus ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are now operational and open to the public at Walmart stores across the U.S. Building upon the original commitment set forth in April 2018, the companies are planning to expand the relationship in the coming years with additional Electrify America charging stations located at Walmart stores across the country.
Electrify America's continued collaboration with Walmart is expected to make the retailer one of the largest retail hosts of electric vehicle charging stations across the  United States, and reinforces Walmart's broader mission to spark collective action – alongside key partners – to drive environmental sustainability and provide customers access to sustainable options.
The collaboration with Walmart is part of Electrify America's strategy to help promote greater zero emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption by offering an ultra-fast and convenient charging network. The first 120 Walmart sites with Electrify America chargers are located across 34 U.S. states. Most of the new stations are strategically located at Walmart stores off major highways, with dozens more chargers planned for major metro areas.
Walmart's first Electrify America EV charging station was opened to the public on July 24, 2018 in Hope, AR. In the succeeding 11 months, Electrify America and Walmart have opened on average one new EV charging station every three days.
Currently, a significant number of commercial EV charging stations in the U.S. are concentrated on the east and west coasts or in major urban areas. Through the Electrify America-Walmart collaboration, EV users will have increased access to services near highways, rural communities and driving routes in other sections of the country.
EV drivers can now travel across the country on major interstates and highways with a large concentration of EV chargers along U.S. interstates. EV charging station placement along many of these routes allow for EV drivers the option to solely recharge at Walmart stores during their travels. Examples of routes include Houston to Chicago via I-45, I-35 and I-44, San Antonio to St Louis via I-35 and I-44 and Washington DC to Savannah, GA via I-95.  
"This milestone marks an important moment in the expansion of our charging station network," said Brendan Jones, chief operating officer at Electrify America. "We look forward to continuing our work with Walmart to make electric vehicle charging faster and more convenient for consumers across the country, and in turn, encourage more adoption of zero emission vehicles."
"Along with providing our customers with an enhanced shopping experience through added convenience, this initiative also allows us to contribute to the expansion and accessibility of our nation's EV charging station infrastructure," said Mark Vanderhelm, vice president of energy for Walmart, Inc. "Many of our Walmart associates and customers are EV drivers so providing access to these stations is the right thing to do for our customers, our business and the environment."
Additional Electrify America charging station are expected to be installed at Walmart stores located in urban areas such as the District of Columbia and 46 states including California, the largest electric vehicle market in the U.S. Prior to its EV charging station expansion with Electrify America, Walmart was an early adopter of EV technology, providing EV chargers at approximately 100 store locations beginning with the first installations almost 10 years ago.
Electrify America chargers at Walmart stores feature 150 kilowatt (kW) and 350kW DC Fast Chargers. Chargers at this power can charge a vehicle at speeds of up to 20 miles of range per minute.
Electrify America, which is investing $2 billion over the next ten years in electric vehicle infrastructure and education, plans to deploy more than 2,000 chargers across 484 sites in 17 metropolitan areas and on highways. Stations will be located at convenient EV charging stops with access to retail, dining, parking and other facilities, with Walmart becoming a key partner to these objectives.
About Electrify America
Electrify America LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America headquartered in Reston, VA and with an office in Pasadena, CA, is investing $2 billion over 10 years in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, education and access. The investment will enable millions of Americans to discover the benefits of electric driving and support the build-out of a nationwide network of workplace, community and highway chargers that are convenient and reliable. For more information, visit www.electrifyamerica.com.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 275 million customers and members visit our more than 11,300 stores under 58 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2019 revenue of $514.4 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart  and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrify-america-walmart-announce-completion-of-over-120-charging-stations-at-walmart-stores-nationwide-with-plans-for-further-expansion-300863361.html
SOURCE Electrify America, LLC; Walmart

Article Date
6/6/2019
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