Clearloop, a Silicon Ranch company, announced that Intuit and REI Co-op have flipped the switch on the new 2.8 MWDC White Pine Solar Farm in White Pine, Tennessee today.
Intuit and REI each supported the development of 1.4 MWDC of the solar energy project through Clearloop’s unique and innovative approach to helping organizations reclaim their carbon footprint. In addition to support from Intuit and REI, the solar project is made possible by the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Dispersed Power Program and the cooperation of local energy companies, including Morristown Utility Systems.
Since 2021, Intuit has partnered with Clearloop to decarbonize the electric grid while expanding access to renewable energy across Tennessee. Intuit’s support of the White Pine Solar Farm builds on its ongoing partnership with Clearloop and ongoing efforts for the Prosperity Hub program in Morristown, Tennessee and the surrounding areas. Intuit launched the Prosperity Hub Program in 2016 to advance economic prosperity for people and communities in need.
To further support surrounding communities, Intuit will donate 1,600 renewable energy certificates (RECs) per year for the next 40 years, evenly split between Jefferson County and Hamblen County schools, making them among the first communities to specifically support local public schools from provide sustainable energy. Tennessee, and one of the first green energy schools in the Southeast. As part of its unique partnership with Intuit and local school systems, Clearloop is making a one-time donation of $100,000 in scholarships ($50,000 per school system) for high school students in the Jefferson and Hamblen County, Tennessee school systems.
“Intuit has long been focused on creating a positive impact on the climate, an important issue that directly impacts the well-being and ability of people and communities to thrive. We take a holistic approach to climate and sustainability, driving initiatives internally across our operating footprint, supply chain and externally in the communities we serve,” said Debbie Lizt, Head of Global Sustainability at Intuit. “Our partnership with Clearloop and the local community allows us to place a meaningful and intentional focus on new solar projects in areas where we can deliver environmental and economic benefits to communities for years to come.”
REI’s partnership with Clearloop to help bring the White Pine Solar Farm to life demonstrates the company’s commitment to prioritizing clean energy development with a focus on investing in communities that can benefit most. Through this partnership, 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 are proud to help usher in new 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 at REI Co-op. “Clearloop’s vision to decarbonize the grid by supporting projects that increase access to clean energy in more communities – along with the project’s investments in the local workforce and regenerative land practices – is one we strongly believe in.”
As is the case with all Clearloop projects, the White Pine Solar Farm was developed, owned and operated by parent company Silicon Ranch during the life of the project. This disciplined and community-oriented approach will help Clearloop maintain a vested interest in the East Tennessee region over the long term. The White Pine solar project’s energy output and the CO2 emissions it avoids are tracked live on Clearloop’s website.
News item from Clearloop
