1 MW
Project Size
2,200 MWh
Annual Production
1,800 Tons
Carbon Offset
245 Homes
Power Equivalent
Walmart's first onsite large-scale wind turbine
On September 22, 2012, Walmart's distribution center in Red Bluff, California became the site of the company's first onsite large-scale wind turbine project. The turbine provides roughly one megawatt of power — 15 to 20 percent of the distribution center's yearly electrical use.
The GE SLE 1.0 Megawatt Wind Turbine features a tower height of 265 feet and a blade diameter of 250 feet — approximately equal to the height of a 20-story building. It is projected to produce approximately 2,200,000 kilowatt hours annually.
Under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Foundation Windpower installs, owns, and operates the wind turbine while Walmart purchases the power produced under a long-term agreement. Over the term of the PPA, the project contributes to energy expense savings and provides price certainty for the electricity produced.
"We are using every tool in the tool box as we work toward our goal to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy, and wind energy is an attractive technology for Walmart. We found the perfect environment for an installation with the Red Bluff project — good wind conditions and open land that we own. As a result, we expect to reduce our energy costs from the day we flip the on switch."
"If the project is successful, Wal-Mart plans to evaluate the potential for large-scale turbine installations at other U.S. distribution centers."
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