Clearloop flipped the switch on the new 2.8 MWdc White Pine Solar Farm in White Pine, Tennessee. The project was developed in conjunction with global financial technology platform Intuit Inc. and national specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op.
“This project represents the possibilities fostered by responsible, thoughtful and meaningful corporate climate action,” said Laura Zapata, CEO and cofounder of Clearloop, a Silicon Ranch company. “We look forward to continuing to build on our relationships with corporate leaders and communities alike to deliver on the promise of a transformational and inclusive energy transition.”
Intuit and REI each supported the development of 1.4 MWdc of the solar project to help decarbonize their operations. The project will produce enough electricity to help power nearly 400 homes in the local community. In addition to Intuit and REI’s support, the solar project is made possible by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Dispersed Power Program and the cooperation of local power companies including Morristown Utility Systems.
Since 2021, Intuit has worked with Clearloop to decarbonize the grid while expanding access to renewable energy across Tennessee. Intuit’s support of the White Pine Solar Farm builds upon its ongoing partnership with Clearloop and ongoing efforts for its Prosperity Hub Program in Morristown, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. Intuit launched the Prosperity Hub Program in 2016 to promote economic prosperity for people and communities in need.
To further support the surrounding communities, Intuit is donating 1,600 renewable energy certificates (RECs) per year for the next 40 years evenly across the Jefferson County and Hamblen County schools, making these among the first communities to specifically power local public schools with renewable energy in Tennessee, and among the first green-powered schools in the Southeast. As part of the collaboration with Intuit and the local school systems, Clearloop is making a one-time $100,000 scholarship donation ($50,000 per school system) for high school seniors in the Jefferson and Hamblen countieses.
“Intuit has long been focused on making a positive impact on climate, a significant issue that directly affects the wellbeing and ability of people and communities to prosper. We take a holistic approach to climate and sustainability, driving initiatives internally within our operational footprint, supply chain, and externally in the communities we serve,” said Debbie Lizt, head of global sustainability at Intuit.”Our collaboration with Clearloop and the local community allows us to bring a meaningful and intentional focus to new solar projects in areas where we can provide environmental and economic benefits to the communities for years to come.”
REI’s partnership with Clearloop to help bring the White Pine Solar Farm will power the company’s new state-of-the-art distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee, with 100% renewable energy. The distribution center will serve more than 60 stores and 5.6 million REI members in the area while using 30% less energy than code requires.
“The White Pine project represents an exciting addition to REI’s renewable energy portfolio. We’re proud to help usher in new-to-the-world solar energy in the Tennessee Valley, a region where we recently opened a new distribution center, operate multiple stores, and have thousands of members,” said Matt Thurston, divisional VP of sustainability at REI.
As is the case with all Clearloop projects, the White Pine Solar Farm will be developed, owned and operated by its parent Silicon Ranch for the lifetime of the project. Through this disciplined and community-focused approach, Clearloop will maintain a long-term vested interest in the East Tennessee region. The White Pine solar project’s energy output and the carbon it avoids are tracked live on Clearloop’s website.
— Solar Builder magazine
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