Starbucks Turns to Solar Energy From Cypress Creek to Power Its Texas Stores

Starbucks is investing in solar farms across Texas as part of an effort to annually save $50 million in utility costs over the next ten years.Two completed, 10-megawatt Texas solar farms owned by Cypress Creek Renewables in Wharton and Blossom are already providing power for 360 of its more than 1,000 stores in the state, including Dallas-Fort Worth.Also, Starbucks is investing in six new Cypress Creek solar farms in Texas, representing 50 megawatts of solar energy. In total, the portfolio of eight projects announced Monday will reduce carbon usage by 101.000 tons per year. Starbucks said that's the equivalent of planting nearly 2.5 million trees.Starbucks didn't break out its solar investment in Texas, but said over the past two years, it has spent more than $140 million towards renewable energy development.The past 10 years, the company said renewable energy and other green efforts has saved it about $30 million in annual operating costsTwitter: @MariaHalkias  Continue reading...