Comcast today announced an agreement to purchase 250 megawatts (MW) of solar electricity from Constellation to power about 12% of its U.S. operations, including most of its Mid-Atlantic operations, with renewable green energy.
The Comcast agreement follows others by the company and by other telecom firms as they seek to reduce their net carbon emissions.
Comcast will support construction of the Blue Sky Solar Project, currently being developed by Scout Clean Energy in Illinois, through the most recent agreement, which will enable the telecom company to cut the carbon dioxide emissions associated with its energy use by nearly 360,000 metric tons annually – about the same amount as would be produced to provide electricity to about 65,000 homes per year, according to Comcast.
Blue Sky is expected to be operational by the end of 2024 and is expected to generate $36.3 million in tax revenue, 400 construction jobs and 20 permanent jobs over the life of the project.
Comcast has committed to being carbon neutral by 2035 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions — the direct and indirect emissions it owns and controls — across its global operations.
The company is prioritizing green tariffs, direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) and virtual PPAs through contracts bringing new renewable capacity to the grid in its renewable energy strategy Comcast also plans to build onsite renewable energy capacity to buy energy from existing clean energy projects or renewable energy certificates (RECs).
“Sourcing clean, renewable energy is the top priority for meeting our goal to be carbon neutral by 2035,” said Peter Kiriacoulacos, Comcast executive vice president and chief procurement officer, in a prepared statement about Comcast green energy plans. “This marks the first of many major green investments that are already underway or on the immediate horizon which demonstrate our commitment to sustainable, responsible business.”
