Saint-Gobain backs construction of 250-MW wind park in Illinois with VPPA

Wind turbines in Illinois, USA. Author: Tom. License: Creative Commons. Attribution 2.0 Generic.

February 6 (Renewables Now) - Saint-Gobain North America has sealed a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) that will support the construction of Invenergy’s 250-MW Blooming Grove wind farm in Illinois.

The North American unit of French building materials maker Compagnie de Saint Gobain SA (EPA:SGO) has contracted 120 MW of the wind park’s total capacity.

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The VPPA has a term of 12 years during which Saint-Gobain North America will get renewable energy certificates (RECs) to offset about 40% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with powering its US operations. This in turn will lead to a reduction of the company’s overall carbon footprint in the country by 21%, according to the announcement.

The wind park is being built at a site in McLean County and is expected to be completed in late 2020.

This is Saint-Gobain’s largest renewable energy deal in its 354-year history, the company noted.

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