Harvard to offset all electricity emissions by 2026

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🗞️ Driving the news: Harvard University, alongside MIT, Mass General Brigham, and others, has partnered to purchase energy from a 200 MW solar farm in Texas and a 208 MW wind project in North Dakota
• This virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) will offset 1.3 million megawatt-hours of fossil-fuel energy annually by 2026
• The deal is key to Harvard’s goal of becoming fossil-fuel neutral by 2026 and fossil-fuel free by 2050

🔭 The context: The renewable energy initiative supports Harvard’s campus electrification and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Renewable energy certificates (RECs) associated with the project ensure verifiable reductions in carbon emissions
• The projects are critical in transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy and addressing health and environmental pollutants

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The agreement displaces fossil-fuel energy production, reducing carbon emissions and advancing renewable energy adoption
• It aligns with broader ESG goals, fostering economic benefits such as local job creation and sustainable land use practices

⏭️ What's next: The solar farm is operational, and the wind project will come online in 2026
• The Consortium for Climate Solutions aims to model collaborative clean energy initiatives for institutions and municipalities

💬 One quote: “Investing in new large-scale renewables marks a significant step forward for Harvard in its commitment to a clean energy future,” - Meredith Weenick, Harvard’s executive vice president

📈 One stat: Over the next 15 years, the projects will generate $64 million in tax revenue and $100 million in income for local farmers and landowners

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