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Intel Corp will purchase 2.5 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits (RECs) in 2011, which is a 75% increase over its 2010 commitment of 1.43 billion kilowatt hours. This equates to more than 85% of Intel’s estimated purchased electricity needs in the U.S. for 2011.

In addition, the company has completed nine solar electric installations at Intel locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Israel, collectively generating more than 3.8 million kilowatt hours of solar energy per year.

“Intel’s renewable energy efforts are meant to spur the market and make renewables cheaper and more accessible, in turn helping to reduce the overall carbon emissions from electric generation,” said Brian Krzanich, senior vice president and general manager of manufacturing and supply chain for Intel. “Intel’s REC purchases, support for solar installations and other clean energy investments will continue to be priorities for us as we search for effective sustainability opportunities around the globe.”

As a result of Intel’s continued commitment to purchase RECs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) again placed the company at the top of its Green Power Partner List for 2011 as the largest voluntary, single purchaser of green power in the country.

Intel's REC purchase will be handled by Sterling Planet, a national supplier of renewable energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions. All purchases will be certified by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions' Green-e program, which certifies and verifies green power products, and meet the requirements of the EPA Green Power Purchasing Program.

Since 2001, Intel has invested over US$45 million and completed approximately 1,500 projects to improve energy efficiency and resource conservation.