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Nucor’s Virtual Power Purchase Agreements
Investing in renewable energy through virtual power purchase agreements is one of the many tools Nucor is utilizing to lower its carbon footprint.
Investing in renewable energy through virtual power purchase agreements is one of the many tools Nucor is utilizing to lower its carbon footprint.
Project | Location | Length of Contract | PPA Size |
Brazos Fork – Solar (EDF) | Texas | 15 years | 250MW |
Western Trail – Wind (Orsted) | Texas | 10 years | 100MW |
Total | 350MW |
This information will be updated as new contracts are signed.
Renewable energy credits (RECs) are an important part of our decarbonization strategy. It’s just one of many tools we are using to lower our carbon footprint. Nucor continues to analyze the highest and best use of these avoided emissions.
Nucor has entered into a fixed fee contract with renewable energy providers to buy electricity for a set amount of time for a set price. The contract period starts when energy begins being produced. These partnerships are enabling the construction of new renewable energy projects.
Yes, using RECs generated with these VPPAs will reduce Nucor’s attributed Scope 2 GHG emissions.
Offshore wind towers and solar farms require as much as 270 tons and 70 tons respectively of steel per megawatt of capacity. Steel is vital to a renewable energy future, and it just makes sense for these renewable energy projects to use some of the cleanest and most sustainable steel in the world. That is why Nucor intends to be the supplier of choice for any, and all renewable energy projects. In addition, our relationship with the renewable energy company goes beyond this initial project as we continue to support the installation and use of renewable energy across the country. We fully expect Nucor Steel components to be used in all VPPA renewable energy projects that Nucor has participated in. We all see considerable opportunity for growth in other renewable energy projects even those in which we do not participate as a contracting party.
Nucor does not currently have a target number of VPPA’s but we are evaluating this.
Even though Nucor has always produced steel via our recycling-based EAF approach, which is among the most sustainable and energy efficient process available, we realize that being among the most clean and sustainable steel companies in the world is not enough. We must do more to combat climate change.
The RECS generated from VPPA’s can be used to reduce the carbon impact caused by our electricity use (Scope 2 emissions), but we recognize that this method alone is not sufficient. That is why Nucor has instituted a multi-pronged GHG reduction strategy aimed at reducing all scopes of emissions. Nucor is exploring the feasibility of capturing and storing CO2 emissions, continuously evaluating, and investing in new technologies in steelmaking that will reduce our GHG intensity as well as our natural gas usage.
Nucor is very interested in building strategic partner relationships. Offshore wind towers and solar farms require as much as 270 tons and 70 tons respectively of steel per megawatt of capacity. Steel is vital to a renewable energy future and it just makes sense for these renewable energy projects to use the cleanest and most sustainable steel in the world. That is why we believe Nucor should be the supplier of choice for any renewable energy projects. In addition, our relationship with the renewable energy company goes beyond this initial project as we continue to support the installation and use of renewable energy across the country. We fully expect Nucor Steel components to be used in all PPA renewable energy project that Nucor has partnered with.
Not necessarily. The renewable energy mix is up to the local energy provider. Nucor is excited about taking advantage of renewable energy sources on the grid as they come available. Some Nucor facilities are installing solar panels that generate green power specifically for their facility.
No, a REC generated in the US can be applied anywhere in the US. It can go to specific divisions or products but can only be used once.
They are currently available for any green energy project including geothermal and hydro.