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Wal-Mart in Solar Power Pilot for 22 Sites |
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| US: May 8, 2007 | ||
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NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday it is purchasing solar power from BP Solar, SunEdison LLC, and PowerLight as part of a pilot project for 22 combined Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Clubs and a distribution center in Hawaii and California.
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The world's largest retailer, which is working toward the goal of one day being supplied by 100 percent renewable energy, said each solar power generating system installed can provide up to 30 percent of the power for the store on which it is installed. "Pilot project stores are expected to achieve savings over their current utility rates immediately, as soon as the first day of operation," said David Ozment, director of energy for Wal-Mart, in a statement. A spokesman for the retailer declined to disclose the financial terms of the project. SunEdison will provide four solar power systems in Hawaii and four in California, while PowerLight and BP Plc unit BP Solar will each supply seven systems in California. PowerLight is a subsidiary of SunPower Corp. , which said it had previously installed solar power systems on three other Wal-Mart facilities. SunPower said PowerLight's contract with Wal-Mart is for solar electric power systems totaling 4.6 megawatts on seven facilities. Wal-Mart said the installations are subject to receiving the appropriate permits and approvals in their respective states. Wal-Mart said the total solar power production from the 22 sites is estimated to be as much as 20 million kilowatt-hours per year. Wal-Mart shares rose 49 cents, or 1 percent, to US$48.76 in afternoon New York Stock Exchange trading.
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REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
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