Rivian and Apex Clean Energy today announced the signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) for 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity from the renewable energy companyβs proposed Goose Creek Wind farm in Piatt County, Illinois. As Rivianβs first large-scale procurement, the agreement supports the companyβs long-term vision of enabling high-impact renewable energy projects that reduce its carbon footprint while also benefiting customers, communities, and the electrical grid.
This purchase, along with other renewable sourcing and on-site generation, will allow Rivian to power as much as 75% of its Normal, Illinois, plant operations with carbon-free energy on an hourly basis. The PPA will also contribute to the companyβs commitment to power its Rivian Adventure Network and Waypoints charging with 100% renewable energy. Importantly, this is Rivianβs first major renewable energy purchase and a critical investment in Illinoisβsupporting homegrown jobs, economic development, tax revenues, and clean energy in the Prairie State.
βAbout a third of global greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, with nearly another third from electricity generation. We have a tremendous opportunity at Rivian to help tackle emissions beyond the tailpipe to support decarbonization of manufacturing and charging of electric vehicles,β said Andrew Peterman, Rivian Director of Renewable Energy. βLong-term success for us means helping to accelerate the transition to carbon-free energy across the entire economy, not just within Rivianβs own footprint.β
Rivianβs renewable energy strategy combines climate impact, community, and local ecological considerations. Working with The Nature Conservancy and its Site Renewables Right initiative, Rivian aims to support grid decarbonization while also promoting renewable developments that enhance the land, protect critical biodiversity, and improve local economies.
βWith Goose Creek Wind, Rivian is modeling an innovative approach to clean energy procurementβone that emphasizes maximum benefit to the local community, economy, and environment,β said Mark Goodwin, President and CEO of Apex. βApex continues to expand opportunities for corporations committed to strengthening local project areas, reducing carbon impact, and restoring natural habitatβall priorities for Rivian as it continues to build out its vision for the future.β
Within an hour's drive of Rivianβs flagship Normal facility, Goose Creek Wind will put more carbon-free energy on the Central Illinois grid by tapping the regionβs largest and most sustainable resourceβthe wind. Rivian promotes and relies on the growth of clean energy in Illinois, contributing to statewide efforts to increase the proportion of renewables from 11%βcompared to the national average of 20%βand reduce marginal emissions of a carbon intensive grid.
Rivian has signed the Climate Pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.
Apex is currently in the process of securing local permits and approvals for the 300 MW Goose Creek Project to be built and as a stipulation of the PPA. The project is slated to begin operations in 2024.