Verizon becomes a leading corporate buyer of U.S. renewable energy

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon has announced six new Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements (REPAs), increasing its total to 13 agreements with nearly 1.7 gigawatts (GW) of projected renewable energy capacity. These agreements include virtual power purchase agreements designed to finance six new solar facilities. The recent REPAs involve 525 MW from Invenergy, 152.5 MW from Lightsource bp, 92.5 MW from EDF Renewables, and 75 MW from NextEra Energy. Verizon aims for carbon neutrality by 2035 and has committed to additional on-site green energy installation by 2025.

Positive

• Total of 13 REPAs now in place, totaling nearly 1.7 GW of renewable energy capacity.
• Recent REPAs expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, equivalent to removing over 630,000 vehicles from roads annually.
• Verizon is leveraging $1 billion green bonds to finance renewable energy projects.

Negative

• None.

Six new Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements (REPAs) bring total to 13, totaling nearly 1.7 gigawatts of projected renewable energy capacity

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a little over a year, Verizon has become one of the largest corporate buyers of U.S. renewable energy, entering into thirteen long-term renewable energy purchase agreements (REPAs) totaling nearly 1.7 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity since December 2019, including six REPAs relating to 845 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity since September 2020. These six new agreements, like the earlier REPAs, are virtual power purchase agreements and are expected to help finance the powering of six new solar facilities that are under development. The agreements are part of Verizon’s ongoing efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations (scope 1 and 2) by 2035, a key commitment of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement. 

As part of its most recent efforts, Verizon entered into three 15-year REPAs with Invenergy for an aggregate of 525 MW of capacity. The generation will come from three solar projects: one 250 MW project located in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) regional market, and two projects totaling 275 MW located in the Pennsylvania Jersey Maryland (PJM) Interconnection regional market. All of the projects are expected to be operational by the end of 2023.

In addition, Verizon entered into a 15-year REPA with Lightsource bp for an aggregate of 152.5 MW of capacity. The facility, located in the PJM Interconnection regional market, is expected to be fully operational in late 2022.

Verizon also entered into a 15-year REPA with EDF Renewables for an aggregate of 92.5 MW of capacity. The facility, located in the PJM Interconnection regional market, is expected to be fully operational in late 2022.

Lastly, Verizon also entered into a 15-year REPA with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC for an aggregate of 75 MW of capacity. The facility, located in the PJM Interconnection regional market, is expected to be fully operational in late 2023.

“Last year, Verizon issued its second $1 billion green bond, which will be used to fund long-term REPAs that support the construction of solar and wind facilities. These facilities will bring new renewable energy to the grids that power our networks,” said James Gowen, Verizon’s chief sustainability officer and vice president, supply chain operations. “Verizon is committed to supporting the transition to a greener grid by making substantial investments in renewable energy.”

Verizon’s other REPAs, which it announced earlier in 2020, relate to an aggregate of more than 840 MW of renewable energy under development in Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. These REPAs, together with those described above, total nearly 1.7 GW of projected renewable energy capacity and are expected to reduce carbon emissions by an amount equivalent to removing more than 630,000 passenger vehicles from the road on an annual basis.¹ In addition to its REPAs, the company is committed to its goal of installing an additional 24 MW of on-site green energy at its facilities by 2025.

_{¹ https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gases-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references}

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at https://www.verizon.com/about/media-center. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Eric Wilkens
Eric.wilkens@verizon.com
201.572.9317

Kim Ancin
kimberly.ancin@verizon.com
908.559.3227

FAQ

What is the total capacity of Verizon's Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements as of January 2021?

Verizon's Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements total nearly 1.7 gigawatts (GW) as of January 2021.

How many new REPAs did Verizon announce in January 2021?

Verizon announced six new Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements in January 2021.

What is Verizon's goal for carbon neutrality?

Verizon aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations by 2035.

How much renewable energy capacity will the new solar facilities provide?

The new solar facilities funded by the REPAs will provide a total of 845 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity.

What financial instrument is Verizon using to support its renewable energy projects?

Verizon issued a $1 billion green bond to fund long-term Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements.