Enel signs PPA with brewery giant – model for geothermal projects in U.S.?
Stillwater hybrid geothermal-solar plant, Nevada (source: Enel, video screenshot)
Alexander Richter
24 Sep 2017
Enel Green Power has signed a PPA with brewery giant Anheuser Busch for electricity generated from wind power operations in the U.S., which could become an interesting model for geothermal IPPs in the U.S.
As reported by CNBC earlier this month, the beer brewing giant Anheuser-Busch signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Enel Green Power.
Related to electricity generated by a wind farm owned and operated by Enel in Oklahoma, the question is how this could be a model for geothermal IPPs in the U.S.
While it is well known in other countries, so far there have not been much news on power purchase agreements signed of corporations with geothermal power operators in the U.S. With the baseload capacity element of geothermal, this could create a market for similar PPAs in the future.
In a statement on Wednesday, Anheuser-Busch said that the renewable energy produced under the PPA would be equivalent to powering up to half of its total purchased electricity in one year, helping to “significantly” reduce overall emissions from operations.
With AB InBev, the parent company of Anheuser-Busch, having made a commitment to secure 100% of its purchased electricity from renewable sources by the year 2025, and more companies going in that direction, there clearly is a certain momentum.
“Helping to grow the renewable energy market is not only good for the environment, it is a strategic business move as we strive for long-term sustainability,” Anheuser-Busch’s president and CEO, João Castro Neves, said.
“Now more than ever, we are excited to lead our company’s global effort toward a renewable future and, partnering with Enel, set an industry example of how major companies can help to make a difference in climate change,” he added.
Source: CNBC
