Company’s largest wind power agreement and second in two years. Therefore advancing clean energy leadership!
MINNEAPOLIS, April 23, 2019/PRNewswire/ — General Mills (GM) has taken one of the biggest steps thus far. Especially toward its climate goal. Because they signed a virtual 15-year power purchase agreement with Roaring Fork Wind, LLC. Roaring is a joint venture partnership between RES (Renewable Energy Systems) and Steelhead Americas. It’s for 200 megawatts (MW) of its Maverick Creek wind project.
Pulse Power explains that wind is a naturally occurring resource that we all rely on. But what exactly is wind power? Wind power is the conversion of wind into electrical power by means of wind turbines. It’s also known as wind-powered generation, which is usually measured in kilowatts.
Wind turbines are manufactured to harness the natural force of the wind flowing past them, and then convert that energy to electricity. The electricity is then sent to the homes or businesses by a local electric company or even by using the wind turbine itself. This provides a clean, renewable source of energy that many people favorably look at.
The wind project, in central Texas will produce renewable energy credits for General Mills. Credits that together with the company’s previous wind power agreement, calculated to equal 100 percent of the electricity used annually. That’s also all the company’s owned domestic facilities. During the peak of construction, projected creating 175 jobs in the clean energy workforce.
Finally, Maverick Creek is just 10 miles from Cactus Flats, the wind project in General Mills’ first wind energy purchase agreement. In conclusion, the project is in a particularly favorable wind area in central Texas. Especially which is the leading state in the U.S. for wind energy production. That’s with over 24,899 MW of installed capacity in that state alone.
Finally, General Mills’ commitment to purchase green power from Roaring Fork will help to finance constructing the Maverick Creek wind project being developed in Concho County, Texas by RES and Steelhead Americas. The project’s renewable energy credits can be applied toward General Mills’ greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Also it enables the company to cut its Scope 2 emissions. All as a result of its target of sustainable emission levels. That’s across its global value chain by 2050.
Through 2018, General Mills has reduced the greenhouse gas emissions of its extended value chain. Reducing number by 13 percent compared to its 2010 baseline.
So more importantly, the U.S. wind industry employs 102,500 workers across 50 states. That figure continues to rise annually. Especially with the number of people employed by wind. All expected to top 248,000 by 2020. According to Navigant Consulting, the wind industry expecting to deliver over $85 billion in economic activity. Yes folks, during the same period.
Installing Wind Power As Renewable Energy Source
If you’re considering installing an alternative energy system, it’s likely that you’ll hear a lot about how wind power works. While there are several benefits of solar power and the need to have a sufficient amount of it for your needs, the reality is that wind power may be a better solution for your needs.
There are several reasons why installing a renewable energy system is a better option than just relying on a single source of energy for your home. You want to investigate these advantages before you decide on which option will work best for you.
- The first benefit is that these systems can help you save money on your energy bill because they aren’t produced using natural sources. They don’t rely on charcoal and fuel, so expect reduced energy rates.
- If you want to be sure that you’ll be able to get the most out of your renewable energy, you may want to consider purchasing an entire system from a company. This allows you to enjoy special discounts or deals by working with one company–from equipment purchase to installation.
- While solar energy is also energy-efficient, wind power systems are less expensive. You can generate your own energy without having to pay for expensive utilities or paying for power generation companies.
GM also listed on the 2018 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Also the 2018 CDP Climate A- List and Newsweek Green Rankings (#34). For more information on General Mills’ climate commitment. Please visit its 2019 Global Responsibility Report and the Taste of General Mills blog.
SOURCE General Mills, RES, Apr 23, 2019, 07:00 ET
