LyondellBasell Edges Closer to Meeting Its 2030 Renewable Energy Target

Rhea-AI Summary

LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) has signed two new Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) in the United States, bringing the company's total procured renewable electricity to 1,366 megawatts (MW), representing 89% of its goal to procure a minimum of 50% of its electricity from renewable sources. The agreements are expected to accelerate the development of clean energy and shift to the use of low-carbon energy at the company's sites. The company aims to reduce its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, with renewable electricity being a crucial component of its pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Positive

• LyondellBasell has successfully increased its procured renewable electricity to 1,366 megawatts (MW), representing 89% of its goal to procure a minimum of 50% of its electricity from renewable sources.
• The company signed two long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) in the United States, one with TotalEnergies and another with Industrial Sun, to source renewable electricity for its facilities in Texas.
• The agreements are expected to generate approximately 300,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of solar power annually and will contribute to the company's ambitious climate goals, including reducing its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
• The renewable electricity sourced from TotalEnergies' Brazoria Solar project in Brazoria County, Texas, is expected to commence operations at the end of 2025, while the electricity from Industrial Sun's Industrial Bravo solar project in Matagorda County, Texas, is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2026.

Negative

• None.

Energy Industry Analyst

LyondellBasell's strategic move to secure two more Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with TotalEnergies and Industrial Sun underlines a significant shift towards renewable energy within the chemical industry. This transition not only aligns with global sustainability trends but also offers a hedge against volatile fossil fuel prices. By locking in a renewable electricity supply, LyondellBasell mitigates the risk of future energy cost surges, which could otherwise impact its operating expenses and profit margins.

Furthermore, the procurement of renewable energy can enhance the company's reputation among environmentally conscious stakeholders, potentially leading to a more favorable view among investors who are increasingly valuing sustainability. This strategic positioning may also provide a competitive advantage as regulatory pressures intensify around carbon emissions and as customers demand greener supply chains.

Environmental Policy Expert

The significance of LyondellBasell's commitment to procure at least 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 goes beyond corporate responsibility. It represents a proactive response to the evolving regulatory landscape, which is increasingly focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By actively decreasing its scope 1 and 2 emissions, the company is positioning itself ahead of potential regulatory changes that could impose stricter carbon limits or carbon pricing mechanisms.

Additionally, this move may influence industry standards and encourage other players to adopt similar sustainability practices, contributing to a larger collective impact on emission reductions. The long-term agreements also demonstrate the company's commitment to a stable and sustainable energy transition, which could serve as a blueprint for other industrial entities.

Financial Analyst

The financial implications of these PPAs for LyondellBasell are multifaceted. On one hand, they represent a long-term investment in cost stability through fixed energy prices, which can provide a buffer against market fluctuations in energy costs. On the other hand, the capital expenditure required to fulfill these agreements must be scrutinized in light of the company's balance sheet and cash flow projections.

Investors should consider the potential for these renewable energy investments to yield long-term savings and possibly government incentives or tax breaks. However, they should also be aware of the upfront costs and the time frame before the operational commencement of these projects. The balance between short-term financial outlay and long-term savings will be a key factor in evaluating the financial health and strategic foresight of LyondellBasell.

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / January 17, 2024 / LyondellBasell (NYSE:LYB) signed two new Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) in the United States, which will bring the company's total procured renewable electricity to 1,366 megawatts (MW), representing 89% of its goal to procure a minimum of 50% of its electricity from renewable sources.

"We are taking decisive steps to reduce our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and power purchase agreements are a critical lever towards meeting our targets," said Chris Cain, LyondellBasell Senior Vice President for Net Zero Transition Strategy. "These two new agreements help us accelerate the development of clean energy and shift to use of low carbon energy at our sites."

The company signed a long-term PPA for 125 MW of renewable electricity sourced from TotalEnergies' Brazoria Solar project in Brazoria County, Texas. The 15-year agreement is expected to generate approximately 300,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of solar power annually, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of more than 28,000 American homes. The project is expected to commence operations at the end of 2025. This is the company's second PPA with TotalEnergies.

"TotalEnergies is proud to support LyondellBasell on its ambitious climate goals," said Vincent Stoquart, Senior Vice President, Renewables at TotalEnergies. "The signing of this new upside sharing PPA in the U.S. is consistent with our strategy of merchant exposure and will contribute to the objective of profitable growth for our Integrated Power business."

LyondellBasell also signed a long-term PPA with Industrial Sun to supply 50 MW of renewable electricity from Industrial Sun's Industrial Bravo solar project in Matagorda County, Texas, to the LyondellBasell Matagorda Complex. This facility produces high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic resins used to manufacture various consumer products. The project is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2026.

"We are excited to collaborate with LyondellBasell in support of their renewable energy goals," said Wade Gungoll, CEO of Industrial Sun. "Our utility-scale net-metered industrial solar solution will simultaneously reduce the carbon footprint and operating expenses of LyondellBasell's Matagorda Complex, which will in turn enhance the long-term prosperity of the facility and support more job creation in Matagorda County. Our unique projects are win-win-wins for the customer, the community, and the energy grid."

LyondellBasell has a target to procure a minimum of 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, based on 2020 procured levels. Approximately 15% of the company´s 2020 baseline scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions come from its electricity consumption. Renewable electricity is an important component of its pathway to net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.

About LyondellBasell

We are LyondellBasell - a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management of LyondellBasell which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the availability, cost and price volatility of utilities; our ability to meet our sustainability goals, including our ability to reduce our emissions and achieve net zero emissions by the time set in our goals; our ability to procure energy from renewable sources; and the successful construction and operation of the projects described in this release. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.

SOURCE LyondellBasell Industries

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SOURCE: LyondellBasell

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FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for LyondellBasell?

The ticker symbol for LyondellBasell is LYB.

How much renewable electricity has LyondellBasell procured through the new agreements?

LyondellBasell has procured a total of 1,366 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity through the new agreements.

What is the company's goal for procuring electricity from renewable sources?

The company's goal is to procure a minimum of 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, based on 2020 procured levels.

What are the expected benefits of the Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for LyondellBasell?

The agreements are expected to accelerate the development of clean energy and shift to the use of low-carbon energy at the company's sites, contributing to its ambitious climate goals, including reducing its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.