WAL-MART STEPS UP

Wal-Mart readies large-scale move into solar power
Martin LaMonica, January 3, 2007 (CNET)
- The company put out an RFP (request for proposal) last month to solar electric suppliers and expects to receive responses early this month…The move is part of a long-term plan to convert to renewable energy sources.

- Wal-Mart is keeping the details of the proposal under wraps…it could amount to a significantly large installation--on the order of 100 megawatts of power over the next five years…the Wal-Mart proposal called for a system that could be replicated across its stores in five states and make use of available roofing space.
- Wal-Mart has set up experimental stores in McKinney, Texas, and Aurora, Colo. These stores are already using renewable power sources, including solar and wind…
- the move is significant as an indicator of growing corporate interest in sustainable practices and technologies…Installing solar power is a well understood--and potentially visible--way to use renewable energy. Aided by government incentives such as tax breaks, solar electric systems are becoming more cost-effective as solar companies devise new technologies and target specific markets.

- Google is using a flat-panel solar power system installed by a subsidiary of Energy Innovations, a company that specializes in solar systems for flat roofs like those found in office parks.
- Microsoft, too, has gotten into the solar game. Last year, it equipped its Silicon Valley headquarters with more than 2,000 solar panels capable of generating 480 kilowatts at peak capacity…
- Renewable energy is central to Wal-Mart's environmental efforts as well. The company has a vice president of corporate strategy and sustainability, Andy Ruben, and its corporate policy is to reduce its "carbon footprint" and greenhouse gas emissions.

- Its three specific, long-term environmental goals are: using 100 percent renewable energy; creating zero waste and selling products from sustainable resources…
- Wal-Mart president and CEO Lee Scott provided more detail on the company's short-term goals, including a commitment to invest $500 million a year in energy efficiency and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions…by 20 percent in the next seven years…