EDF Renewable Energy has signed an agreement to supply Kimberly-Clark Corporation with 120 megawatts (MW) of wind energy from the Rock Falls Wind Project in Oklahoma (total capacity 154 MW).
The Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) is Kimberly-Clark’s first use of utility-scale renewable energy and will help Kimberly-Clark to surpass its 2022 commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% four years ahead of schedule.
Rock Falls Wind Project, located in Kay and Grant Counties in northern Oklahoma, consists of Siemens wind turbines manufactured in their Iowa-based facilities.
Upon commencement of commercial operation, anticipated in December 2017, the renewable energy will provide Kimberly-Clark with power equivalent to a significant portion of the electricity needs of its North American manufacturing operations.
Dai Owen, director, Power Marketing for EDF RE, said, “The strong U.S. wind market relies in part on America’s corporate sector and companies like Kimberly-Clark, who through the purchase of wind energy demonstrate leadership in the drive for a low-carbon economy.”
Owen added, “Their commitment allowed Rock Falls to proceed, providing an economic boost to the Oklahoma economy, through new construction and operations jobs, expanded tax base, and recurring, long-term income for participating landowners.”
Lisa Morden, global head of Sustainability at Kimberly-Clark, said, “This agreement will help enable Kimberly-Clark to achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction goal up to four years ahead of schedule and is a further step in preparing the company for a low-carbon future. It also supports Kimberly-Clark’s mission to provide people with essentials for a better life by caring for the environment and communities we serve.”
Rock Falls marks EDF RE’s second project in Oklahoma. In 2016, the Company completed the Great Western Wind Projectwhich supplies Google with its output of electricity.
Rajani Baburajan
editor@greentechlead.com