Scout Signs Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with AdventHealth for Texas Wind Farm

Rhea-AI Summary

Scout Clean Energy signs a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with AdventHealth for a 90-megawatt portion of the Heart of Texas Wind Farm, expected to support 40% of AdventHealth's electricity needs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The wind farm generates enough clean energy for the ERCOT grid to power approximately 67,000 homes and supports local communities through tax incentive agreements, with an estimated $36 million economic impact over the project's life.

Positive

• The VPPA will support 40% of AdventHealth's electricity needs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• The wind farm generates enough clean energy for the ERCOT grid to power approximately 67,000 homes
• Supports local communities through tax incentive agreements, with an estimated $36 million economic impact over the project's life

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Market Analyst

The Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) between Scout Clean Energy and AdventHealth represents a significant investment in renewable energy and showcases a growing trend among large organizations to seek sustainable energy solutions. This agreement, covering a 90-megawatt portion of a wind farm, is indicative of the increasing demand for clean energy sources and the potential shift in energy procurement strategies. From an energy market perspective, such deals can influence the supply and demand dynamics of the renewable energy sector, potentially leading to an increase in renewable energy project developments and a more favorable market for green technologies. Moreover, the commitment to renewable energy by a health system like AdventHealth may inspire similar actions by other organizations, further bolstering the market for renewable energy.

Financial Analyst

Financially, the VPPA between Scout Clean Energy and AdventHealth is likely to have a positive impact on both entities. For AdventHealth, locking in a portion of their energy costs can provide cost certainty and protection against future energy price volatility. This agreement may also lead to operational cost savings over time, as renewable energy often becomes more cost-effective compared to fossil fuels. For Scout Clean Energy, the agreement ensures a steady revenue stream for the output of the 90-megawatt wind farm portion, which can improve their financial stability and potentially attract further investments. The deal also demonstrates the viability of VPPAs as a financial instrument in the renewable energy market, which could encourage more such agreements and enhance investor confidence in the sector.

Sustainable Development Expert

This agreement is a clear indication of the role of corporate responsibility in driving sustainable development. AdventHealth's goal to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity by 2026 aligns with broader sustainability targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The environmental impact of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through such a large-scale transition to renewable energy is substantial. It not only improves community health by reducing pollution but also supports local economic growth through tax revenues and employment opportunities. This case illustrates how corporate decisions can have a multi-faceted positive impact, including environmental, economic and social benefits.

Agreement expected to support 40 percent of AdventHealth's electricity needs

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scout Clean Energy (Scout), a Colorado based renewable energy developer-owner-operator is pleased to announce they have signed a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with AdventHealth for a 90-megawatt (MW) portion of Scout's Heart of Texas Wind Farm. This portion of the project is expected to generate 380,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually -- matching approximately 40 percent of AdventHealth's current system-wide electrical needs.

"Scout's Heart of Texas Wind Farm is a wonderful example of how Texas wind energy can bring clean energy to the grid, and tax revenues and employment to the community," said Michael Rucker, chief executive officer and founder of Scout. "We're happy to help deliver on AdventHealth's impressive effort toward achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2026, which was key to driving this sizable investment in the renewable economy."

Heart of Texas is a 180 MW wind farm located near McCulloch County, Texas. The wind farm consists of 64 individual 300-foot-tall wind turbines and supports 18 different landowners. Based on a US EPA calculator, the Heart of Texas Wind Farm generates enough clean energy for the ERCOT grid to power approximately 67,000 homes.

"VPPAs are a powerful opportunity to address a leading cause of climate change quickly and positively – greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation. Reduced emissions improve the health of our team members and the communities we serve, said Rob Roy, senior vice president and chief investment officer for AdventHealth. 

Heart of Texas is owned and operated by Scout Clean Energy, a portfolio company managed by Brookfield Asset Management, a global leader of renewable power and decarbonization solutions. Heart of Texas is part of Scout's portfolio of approximately 1,000 MW of operating and under construction wind assets, along with a pipeline of over 19,000 MW of wind, solar and storage projects across 22 states.

Marisa Farabaugh, senior vice president and chief supply chain officer with AdventHealth said this agreement is one of the largest among all US health systems, will help them reduce their environmental impact and support the growth of renewable energy. 

Heart of Texas also supports local communities through tax incentive agreements with McCulloch County, McCulloch County Hospital District, and Lohn Independent School District. In total, the economic impact is estimated at $36 million over the life of the project.

About Scout Clean Energy 

Scout Clean Energy is a renewable energy developer and owner-operator headquartered in Boulder, Colorado with approximately 1,000 MW of operating and under construction wind assets, and a pipeline of over 19,000 MW of wind, solar and storage projects across 22 states, including more than 2,300 MW of advanced-stage projects. Scout has expertise in all aspects of renewables project development, permitting, power marketing, finance, construction, 24/7 operations, and asset management. For more information, please visit www.scoutcleanenergy.com

About Brookfield

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) is a leading global alternative asset manager with over $850 billion of assets under management. Brookfield invests client capital for the long-term with a focus on real assets and essential service businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. Brookfield offers a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world — including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors.

Brookfield operates Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE: BEP, BEPC TSX: BEP.UN, BEPC), one of the world's largest publicly traded, pure-play renewable power platforms, with approximately 31,800 megawatts of installed renewable energy capacity and a development pipeline of approximately 143,400 megawatts of renewable power assets, 14 MMTPA of carbon capture and storage, 2 million tons of recycled material and 4 million metric million British thermal units of renewable natural gas production annually.

CONTACT: Chad Thompson                                                                                                         
chad@scoutcleanenergy.com 
901.331.0779    

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SOURCE Scout Clean Energy

FAQ

What is the Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) that Scout Clean Energy signed with AdventHealth?

Scout Clean Energy signed a VPPA with AdventHealth for a 90-megawatt portion of the Heart of Texas Wind Farm, expected to support 40% of AdventHealth's electricity needs.

How much clean energy does the Heart of Texas Wind Farm generate annually?

The wind farm is expected to generate 380,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually, enough to power approximately 67,000 homes.

What is the economic impact of the Heart of Texas Wind Farm on local communities?

The wind farm supports local communities through tax incentive agreements, with an estimated $36 million economic impact over the project's life.