Mexican bread maker Grupo Bimbo
signed a virtual power purchase agreement ( VPPA ) to receive 100 megawatts of wind energy from Invenergy , North America's largest independent renewable energy company, with the objective of becoming the first renewable bakery in the United States.
Grupo Bimbo disclosed that beginning in the third quarter of 2019, wind energy from the Santa Rita East wind farm will match Grupo Bimbo's energy consumption in the U.S., resulting in an annual reduction of 260 thousand tons of CO2 .
This sustainable action will reach 75% renewable energy worldwide, with a reduction of 440 thousand tons of CO2 per year globally.
“We are excited to partner with Invenergy in order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the U.S.,” said Daniel Servitje , Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Bimbo , adding that part of its purpose is to build a sustainable, highly productive, and fully human-based company, while reducing the environmental footprint at the same time.
Construction and operation of Invenergy's Santa Rita East wind farm will deliver both substantial economic and social benefits to Irion County , Texas , including at least 300 jobs during construction and 12 to 15 permanent jobs once operating.
Moreover, the project will generate USD$4,000 annually for the next eight years for the Mertzon's Lions Club , Irion County Volunteer Fire Department , and the Educational Outreach Club .
“This agreement is a great example of how companies across all industries can view renewable energy as beneficial for both the environment and business,” said Invenergy’s Founder and CEO Michael Polsky , recalling that Grupo Bimbo focuses its efforts on four lines of action related to the environment: reduction of its carbon and water footprint, waste management, and natural capital.
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