When Walmart de Mexico y Centroamerica decided to buy the power generated by Electrica del Valle de Mexicos (EVM) wind farm, EVMs struggling project received a significant boost. While the proposed wind farm was located in an area with abundant wind resources, absent a creditworthy offtaker, the project would not have been able to line up financing. With Walmart de Mexicos 15 year PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) in hand, the developers were able to gain financial backing, buy and erect the turbines, and begin generating electricity by 2010.

For Walmart de Mexico, becoming the wind farms offtaker accomplished a number of important objectives, EVM guaranteed electricity rates below those charged by Mexicos state-controlled utility, shaving costs for the famously rates below those retailer. In addition, the project allowed Walmart de Mexico to get closer to some of its sustainability goals. The wind farm would supply electricity to 348 Walmart de Mexico facilities in Central Mexico, providing 18% of the electricity Walmart de Mexico consumed in 2010.

The wind farm was just one part of the efforts Walmart de Mexico was undertaking in the sustainability area. The company had pledged to meet ambitious goals, looking to reduce waste in its and its suppliers operations. In the energy area, the company was hoping to receive 50% of its energy from renewable source by 2015, even in a period of rapid growth, increasing its square footage in Mexico by 12% in 2012 alone. All told the efforts of Walmart de Mexico had made it the worlds leading retailer in the area of sustainability as distinction the company hoped to build on.

The success of the EVM wind farm had ignited Manual Gomez Penas thinking about further renewable energy projects. Gomez, Walmart de Mexicos director of sustainability, was considering ways the project financing structure might be further adopted to allow Walmart de Mexico to participate in and benefit from other projects. Gomez was also considering the mix of renewable energy sources. In addition to wind, solar and mini hydroelectric projects were possibilities that Walmart de Mexico could consider.

Requirement:

1. Make an estimated budget allocation for the project. (estimated only)