Wal-Mart Mexico Inaugurates Largest Sun-Operated Photovoltaic Installation in Latin America

* 1,056 solar panels were installed on the roof of Bodega Aurrera Aguascalientes
* 140 tons of CO2 emissions will be eliminated
* Solar panels will generate 20% of the store’s energy requirements for a full year

Aguascalientes, Ags. - Wal-Mart Mexico successfully concluded the installation of a photovoltaic complex that will generate 20% of the energy used by Bodega Aurrera Aguascalientes. Over 1,056 solar panels that were set up on the roof of the store will transform sun energy into electricity. The project, with 174 kW installed, is the largest photovoltaic complex in Latin America, according to ANES (the Mexican Solar Energy Association), and will eliminate the emission of some 140 tons of CO2.. ANES gave an award to Wal-Mart Mexico as recognition for this project.

“This is the first large-scale project to generate energy using photovoltaic panels, not only for Wal-Mart Mexico, but for Wal-Mart International. This puts Mexico at the head of the energy field. The project reinforces our commitment to obtain all the energy the company requires from renewable sources by 2025”, said Raul Arguelles, Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and People Division at Wal-Mart Mexico.

The 1,056 solar or photovoltaic panels were installed in 2,173.5 square meters, the equivalent of half the roof of Bodega Aurrera Convencion in Aguascalientes.

Gustavo Tellez Giron, CEO for Water Capital, a company with whom Wal-Mart Mexico worked to install the photovoltaic complex said, “this is a one-of-a-kind project, and its success will allow this technology to be used in many similar situations. The project will result in significant energy savings and environmental benefits. We are pleased to work with Wal-Mart Mexico and show the advantages of this type of energy for Mexico.

“Today the use of solar energy is the most important potential resource to provide energy in the long run. The sun is the Earth’s largest energy source. According to estimates, a single hour of solar radiation would be enough to cover the world’s annual energy needs. However, this huge potential is untapped and represents a great opportunity to generate energy without a negative impact on the environment through the use of solar panels, which are devices that turn solar energy into electricity,” explained Federico Llamas, Director of the Environment University.

In 2005, Wal-Mart Mexico committed to the following sustainability efforts:

* 100% renewable energy sources by 2025
* Zero water discharges by 2025
* 25% increase in eco-friendly item catalog by 2012
* Zero wastes by 2025