Home appliance manufacturer Whirlpool announced today that it has entered into agreements with One Energy to add onsite wind and solar power at two of its Ohio-based washing machine and dishwasher plants, enabling the creation of more than 40 MW of renewable energy, and marking one of the largest behind-the-meter renewable energy projects in the U.S.
According to Whirlpool, the new installations will support the company’s 2030 net zero goals. Whirlpool announced its 2030 commitment in 2021, pledging to reach net zero across more than 30 manufacturing sites and distribution centers around the world, spanning all direct (Scope 1) and power-related (Scope 2) emissions.
Initiatives outlined by Whirlpool to reach its goal included working towards 100% renewable energy usage through wind and solar panel installations and Power Purchase Agreements that fund wind and solar farms, as well as energy efficiency programs at the company’s plants and facilities, and offsets for remaining emissions that can’t be avoided.
The company currently has nine onsite wind turbines at four of its Ohio plants in Findlay, Marion, Greenville and Ottawa. Combined, those turbines supply 22% of the electrical needs for those facilities. The new installations will include three new turbines at the Findlay operations, as well as three turbines at its Clyde, Ohio plant, and a ground solar array at each location.
Once completed these projects will ensure the Clyde and Findlay plants receive at least 70% of their energy needs from onsite renewable energy. The solar and wind projects are expected to be online and operational by early 2025.
Pam Klyn, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations and Sustainability for Whirlpool said:
“Our focus on sustainability goes back over 50 years, and these new onsite installations are a significant step toward achieving our net zero target by 2030 for our operations. Sustainability is deeply embedded in our values, and we’re very excited to be making this announcement today.”
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