Intel on course for green power target

Intel has signed up for eight solar power projects

Intel has said that it will receive more than half its power from green sources this year.

The company has signed up to eight solar power projects at its sites that will generate 2.5mW. This, and a 10 per cent increase in offset credits for 1.43 billion kilowatt hours, will account for more than 51 per cent of Intel's energy use.

"Intel is committed to renewable energy to reduce our own carbon footprint as well as to spur the market and make renewables more economically feasible for individuals and businesses to deploy," said Brian Krzanich, vice president and general manager of manufacturing and supply chain for Intel.

"These announcements represent our broader commitment which includes diversifying our energy portfolio through solar and other clean energy investments, and this will continue to be a priority for us around the globe."

The new projects will all be finished in seven months and will each rank as one of the 10 largest solar installations in its respective region if activated today.

The announcement coincided with Intel's receipt of the Green Power Partner of the Year Award by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Intel retained its position as top of the EPA's latest Green Power Partner List for 2010.

"EPA's Green Power Partners are raising the bar for clean, renewable energy use," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation.

"By using green power, they are doing their part to fight climate change and proving every day that sound environmental practices can also be economically sound."