Through Sustainability Roundtable’s Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB), Akamai Technologies, Teradyne and Wayfair have signed an aggregated virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with BayWa r.e. Americas for the renewable energy credits produced by the 135-MWAC Prairie Solar project in Champaign County, Illinois, which is being developed by the BayWa r.e. Americas group and is expected to achieve commercial operation at the end of 2025.
Prairie Solar is set to make a significant impact in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region of Illinois, which, at only 32% low-carbon energy in 2023, is an especially carbon-intensive grid. Once operational, Prairie Solar will help reduce carbon emissions in this area, which currently relies heavily on fossil fuels.
By aggregating their demand, Akamai, Teradyne and Wayfair overcome the challenge of modest energy loads that typically hinder independent procurement of utility-scale renewable energy. This buyer-aggregated approach, led by the NZCB, democratizes access to the financial and environmental benefits of utility-scale renewable energy, making procurement possible for a broader range of enterprises.
“We are proud to be part of our second aggregated virtual power purchase agreement in North America,” said Anna Vinogradova, head of sustainability and ESG for Wayfair. “This project will help Wayfair advance towards its Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction goals, aligning with our vision of a more sustainable future. Partnerships like the NZCB harness collaboration to unlock ambitious opportunities for companies to contribute to a cleaner environment.”
News item from the Sustainability Roundtable
