Projects will provide electricity savings to
more than 1,100 residents and support local workforce development
programs
BOSTON, July 24,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nexamp, the largest community
solar provider in the country, announced today a partnership with
Starbucks. By committing as a long-term renewable electricity
purchaser, Starbucks will anchor the deployment of more than 40
Megawatts of solar energy in Illinois communities. The six new community
solar projects being added to Nexamp's growing Illinois portfolio will provide significant
electricity savings to more than 1,100 local residents who
subscribe within the ComEd and Ameren utility territories.
The long-term agreement between Starbucks
and Nexamp improves sustainability and enhances energy
equity.
In addition to the clean energy and savings benefits for
communities, these solar farms also represent impactful employment
opportunities and will accelerate Nexamp's workforce development
initiatives in the state. Construction and operation on these six
projects will help create several hundred new jobs, including roles
for participants in Nexamp's new fellowship programs. Through
partnerships with organizations such as City Colleges of
Chicago, the Chicago Urban League,
Uplift Community High School, 22C, and other Future Energy Jobs Act
(FEJA) job training organizations, Nexamp is leading workforce
development programs aimed at a wider range of communities.
"Starbucks is committed to our environmental promise to give
more than we take, and we have a long history of renewable energy
projects that bring clean energy to more communities," said
Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief
sustainability officer. "We're proud to support Nexamp's efforts to
bring community solar into areas where it can have the most impact
and make savings opportunities available to community members."
Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai explains,
"Community solar is a perfect way for retailers to make progress on
their own sustainability goals while also playing a role in the
build-out of renewable energy resources that have the ability to
directly benefit their own customers. That was the case with
Starbucks, which shares our vision of equitable access to community
members. Climate change is one of the most important issues of the
day and we can only make meaningful progress on decarbonization
when companies come together to develop impactful, inclusive
solutions."
Starbucks will only receive a portion of the renewable
electricity credits for its support of Nexamp's Illinois operations. The remaining capacity on
each project will be allocated to area residents and businesses
through the Nexamp community solar program. Nexamp and Starbucks
hope to expand this program to additional locations nationwide in
the future.
Construction has begun on Nexamp's solar projects, and they are
expected to come online beginning in 2025.
About Nexamp
Nexamp is transforming the new
energy economy with proven solar and storage solutions, and
inviting individuals, communities, and businesses to take part in
the benefits. Our end-to-end capabilities—including project
development and acquisition, design, construction, and
operations—position Nexamp as a just and equitable market leader.
By building integrated clean energy products, we ensure that both
savings and job opportunities reach everyday Americans. With more
than 1 GW of renewable energy-generating assets currently in
operation or under construction, we're building a cleaner and more
resilient future. Visit us at www.nexamp.com.
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SOURCE Nexamp