Comcast has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for 250 MW of solar electricity from Constellation that will power approximately 12% of Comcast’s U.S. operations and the vast majority of its Mid-Atlantic operations with clean, renewable energy.
The agreement will support construction of the Blue Sky Solar Project, currently being developed by Scout Clean Energy in Illinois.
“Sourcing clean, renewable energy is the top priority for meeting our goal to be carbon neutral by 2035,” says Peter Kiriacoulacos, executive vice president and chief procurement officer at Comcast. “This marks the first of many major green investments that are already underway or on the immediate horizon which demonstrate our commitment to sustainable, responsible business.”
Comcast is committed to being carbon neutral by 2035 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, or the direct and indirect emissions it owns and controls, across its global operations. With purchased electricity accounting for the majority of these emissions, sourcing renewable energy is critical to meeting this goal.
Comcast’s renewable energy strategy will prioritize securing green tariffs, direct PPAs, and virtual PPAs through contracts that bring new renewable capacity to the grid. It will also include building onsite renewable energy capacity and supplementing electricity needs with purchases from existing clean energy projects or renewable energy certificates (RECs).
“We commend Comcast on its carbon neutral commitment and are pleased that our offsite renewable solution will serve as a significant steppingstone toward achieving that goal,” states Jim McHugh, chief commercial officer at Constellation. “As our nation transitions to a clean energy future, Constellation is dedicated to offering the products, services and expertise that help our customers strategically manage their energy use and reduce their carbon footprints.”
Comcast will source 250 MW of carbon-free solar electricity from the 300 MW Blue Sky project – a majority share of the project’s total output. Blue Sky is one of the largest solar projects approved to date in the PJM power grid, which spans the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region and portions of the Midwest. Comcast is currently the sole customer.
Blue Sky is expected to reach commercial operation by December 2024. Comcast has signed a corresponding 15-year agreement with Constellation beginning in 2025 to receive energy and RECs from Blue Sky as part of its retail electric supply contract.
“We are pleased to work with Comcast and Constellation to deliver carbon-free solar energy and invest $400 million into the local community, creating new sustained jobs and tax revenue for local schools,” says Michael Rucker, founder and CEO of Scout Clean Energy. “Comcast’s commitment made this possible.”