Commercial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  May 13, 2024

Intuit, REI Co-op Support Tennessee Solar

Intuit Inc., a global financial technology platform, and national specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op, flipped the switch on the new 2.8 MWDC White Pine Solar Farm in White Pine, Tennessee.

Intuit and REI each supported the development of 1.4 MWDC of the solar project through Clearloop’s innovative approach to helping organizations reclaim their carbon footprint. This combined effort is estimated to prevent more than 162 million pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere over the project's lifetime. 

The solar project was also made possible by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Dispersed Power Program and the cooperation of local power companies including Morristown Utility Systems.

Since 2021, Intuit has worked with Clearloop, a Silicon Ranch company and provider of carbon solutions that accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid.

Intuit is donating 1,600 renewable energy certificates (RECs) annually for the next 40 years evenly across the Jefferson County and Hamblen County schools, making these among the first 

"Intuit has long been focused on making a positive impact on climate, a significant issue that directly affects the wellbeing and ability of people and communities to prosper. We take a holistic approach to climate and sustainability, driving initiatives internally within our operational footprint, supply chain, and externally in the communities we serve," said Debbie Lizt, Head of Global Sustainability at Intuit, in a statement. "Our collaboration with Clearloop and the local community allows us to bring a meaningful and intentional focus to new solar projects in areas where we can provide environmental and economic benefits to the communities for years to come."

Through the partnership with Clearloop, REI will power its new state-of-the-art distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee with 100% renewable energy. The distribution center will serve more than 60 stores and 5.6 million REI members in the area while using 30% less energy than code requires.

“The White Pine project represents an exciting addition to REI's renewable energy portfolio. We're proud to help usher in new-to-the-world solar energy in the Tennessee Valley, a region where we recently opened a new distribution center, operate multiple stores, and have thousands of members,” said Matt Thurston, Divisional Vice President of Sustainability, REI Co-op. “Clearloop's vision to decarbonize the grid by supporting projects that expand access to clean energy in more communities—along with the project's investments in the local workforce and regenerative land practices—is one in which we strongly believe.”

The White Pine Solar Farm will be developed, owned, and operated by its parent Silicon Ranch for the lifetime of the project. 

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