EV maker Rivian chooses Wind PPA to offset Energy consumption at Illinois Manufacturing

Electric vehicles maker Rivian has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Apex Clean Energy for 50 MW of wind power for its Normal, Illinois plant operations.

The new agreement aligns with its aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. The process to secure local permits and approvals for Apex’s 300 MW Goose Creek Project is underway.

Many renewable PPAs signed by companies do not result in the project directly connecting power to the customer, but rather help invest in clean energy. The Goose Creek Wind project is an hour’s drive from the Normal facility. This project is to begin operations in 2024.

The PPA and other renewable sources of energy and on-site generation will help power 75% of the Normal plant operations with carbon-free energy. The power from the new PPA will also support the Rivian Adventure Network and Waypoints charging with 100% renewable energy.

“About 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,” said Andrew Peterman, Rivian Director of Renewable Energy.

This summer, Rivian announed it was working with renewable energy company Apex Clean Energy to develop and construct a large-scale wind turbine at its Normal manufacturing campus in Illinois.

The turbine will have a capacity of 2.8 MW and will be capable of generating approximately 10 million kWh of electricity a year