Strategies for integrating renewable energy in USA and international companies: technological, environmental, and operational aspects

The global energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as companies increasingly adopt renewable energy (RE) sources to reduce their environmental footprint and enhance sustainability. The growing demand for clean energy is driven by several factors, including climate change mitigation, advancements in renewable technologies, and evolving consumer expectations for corporate social responsibility. RE, encompassing sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower, offers a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, enabling companies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.

While many American and international companies have embraced RE, the complexity of technological, environmental, and opera- tional challenges varies significantly depending on the region, industry, and regulatory environment. The goal this article is to analyze the various strategies employed by companies in the USA and other countries to integrate RE sources into their operations.

Stages of RE integration in corporate strategy

The integration of RE into corporate operations involves the adoption of a range of technologies that harness natural resources such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower. According to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the increase in electricity generation capacity from renewable sources in 2023 reached 507 GW, which is nearly 50% higher than in 2022 (fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Renewable electricity capacity additions by technology and segment, GW [1]

The strategy for integrating RE in American and international companies follows several stages. First, companies assess their energy consumption and environmental impact , identifying areas where RE can replace traditional sources through audits and sustainability targets [2]. Next, they select appropriate RE technologies based on location, energy needs, and resources, partnering with RE providers or developing on-site generation systems like solar panels or wind turbines.

The third stage focuses on integrating RE into operations, including infrastructure upgrades, smart grids, and energy storage. Companies also implement energy management systems to optimize renewable generation and demand. Finally, companies maintain and improve RE systems , measuring performance, environmental impact, and reporting sustainability progress to stakeholders. This structured approach reduces carbon footprints, improves efficiency, and aligns operations with sustainability goals [3].

Technological aspects of RE integration

The technological aspects of integrating RE into American and international companies play a crucial role in transitioning toward a sustainable and low-carbon future. The primary RE technologies driving corporate adoption include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, and biomass energy. So- lar PV technology has seen considerable advancements in efficiency, with innovations such as bifacial solar panels and thin-film technology increasing energy yield and reducing costs. The development of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, which use mirrors to focus sunlight, has also enabled large-scale solar energy projects. For example, the American company Apple has extensively adopted solar energy. By significantly expanding the use of RE across all corporate operations and its supply chain, Apple managed to reduce its total CO2 emissions by more than 45% between 2015 and 2023, all while increasing its revenue by over 65% [4].

Wind power plays a pivotal role in corporate RE strategies. Advances in turbine technology, such as larger rotor blades and increased tower heights, have enhanced the ability of turbines to harness energy, even in regions with lower wind speeds [5]. Offshore wind farms, particularly those utilizing floating turbines, are especially important in Europe. For instance, Siemens Gamesa (Spain), a leading global supplier of wind energy solutions operating in more than 90 countries, achieved an installed capacity of over 136 gigawatts (GW) in 2023, representing a 7% increase compared to the previous period (fig. 2).

0   2018    2019    2020    2021    2022    2023

Fig. 2. Installed wind energy capacity of Siemens Gamesa, GW [6]

The company's flagship turbines, such as the SG 14-222 DD, have played a pivotal role in driving offshore wind development. Siemens Gamesa's innovations in floating turbine technology enable companies to tap into untapped offshore wind potential, further accelerating the RE transition.

Biomass energy, which generates electricity and heat from organic materials, is also becoming a key part of corporate energy strategies, especially in industries with abundant agricultural or industrial waste. For example, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), an American multinational corporation specializing in food processing and agricultural com- modities, has integrated biomass into its operations by utilizing agricultural by-products to generate energy. In 2023, ADM reduced its emissions by 14,7% compared to the previous period, further enhancing its sustainability efforts [7].

Hydropower remains a crucial component of RE strategies in Europe. Statkraft (Norway) has implemented innovative strategies to optimize the efficiency of its over 300 hydropower plants, including the use of realtime data analytics and automated control systems to enhance energy production and grid stability. Statkraft has invested in upgrading existing hydropower infrastructure with modern turbines and generators, significantly boosting energy output while minimizing environmental impact. As of 2021, hydropower generated nearly 50% more electricity globally than solar and wind combined, demonstrating its key role in the energy mix. Statkraft's hydropower production is set to increase by 66% by 2050, contributing significantly to Europe’s energy transition [8].

One of the major challenges in RE integration is the intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind. Energy storage technologies , particularly in the form of advanced lithium-ion batteries, have addressed this issue by allowing companies to store excess energy produced during periods of high generation and use it when renewable generation is low.

Target, a major American retail corporation, had installed more than 500 rooftop solar systems on its stores, combined with energy storage solutions to capture and store solar energy. These batteries enable Target to offset energy consumption during periods of high demand, contributing to both cost savings and sustainable development. Target's ambitious energy strategy aims to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with battery storage playing a critical role in achieving this goal. In 2023, the share of electricity sourced from renewables increased by 6% compared to 2022, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint [9].

In addition to storage solutions, smart grid technologies have enabled better integration of RE into corporate energy systems.

Smart grids facilitate the efficient distribution of energy, allowing companies to monitor and optimize their energy consumption in realtime. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also maximizes the use of RE sources. Smart grids facilitate the efficient distribution of energy, allowing companies to monitor and optimize their energy consumption in real-time. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also maximizes the use of RE sources. Innovations in demandside management, automated energy distribution, and grid resilience technologies are helping companies like IKEA maintain reliable energy systems while minimizing their environmental impact. IKEA's climate impact for the 2023 financial year is estimated at 24,1 million tons of CO 2 equivalent, which is a 12% reduction compared to the previous year and a 22% reduction from the baseline year of 2016 [10].

A growing trend among corporations is the development of decentralized RE systems. Companies are investing in on-site RE generation, such as rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems, to meet their energy needs independently of the grid. Decentralized systems offer numerous advantages, including energy independence, reduced transmission losses, and increased resilience to power outages. Google ’s data centers, for instance, have adopted decentralized solar and wind energy systems, helping the company achieve its goal of 24/7 carbon-free energy across its global operations [11].

Environmental aspects of RE integration strategies in companies

The transition to clean energy plays a key role in enhancing environmental sustainability, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and improving the energy efficiency of corporate systems. Companies are increasingly adopting RE strategies not only to comply with global climate agreements but also to meet consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices. Table 1 outlines various environmental aspects of RE integration strategies and the specific benefits they offer to companies across different industries.

Table 1. Environmental aspects of RE integration in companies [12-14]

Aspect	Description		Environmental benefits	Examples of corporate applications
Energy efficiency	Using RE systems, including smart grids and storage technologies.		Reduces overall energy consumption and improves operational energy efficiency.	Heineken (Netherlands, beverage production) improved energy efficiency by incorporating RE into its breweries.
Reduction in air and water pollution	Replacing fossil fuels cleaner energy sources.	with	Decreases harmful air emissions (e.g., SO2, NOx) and reduces water use in energy production.	EDF Group (France, energy provider) has reduced air and water pollution by switching to RE sources.
Biodiversity    and ecosystem protection	Adopting RE sources with lower environmental impact.		Protects ecosystems and biodiversity by reducing habitat destruction associated with fossil fuel extraction.	Ørsted (Denmark, RE) integrates ecosystem protection into its offshore wind projects.
Corporate environmental responsibility	Enhancing corporate sustainability efforts by adopting RE strategies.		Improves CSR credentials, aligns with regulations, and meets consumer demand for sustainable practices.	In 2017, Google (USA, technology) officially declared itself a company fully powered by 100% RE.

The integration of RE into corporate strategies offers significant environmental benefits, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental degradation from traditional energy production. RE adoption enhances corporate resilience by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy efficiency and waste management. These strategies position companies as environmental leaders, meeting stakeholder and consumer expectations for sustainability. In the long term, RE deployment creates both environmental and economic value, aligning corporate operations with global sustainability goals and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy [15].

Operational aspects of RE integration

While the overall goals of reducing carbon footprints, enhancing sustainability, and increasing energy independence are shared globally, there are notable differences in the approaches taken by American and European companies due to regional regulations, market structures, and resource availability.

In the USA, operational strategies for integrating RE often emphasize cost-efficiency and scalability. Many American companies rely on large-scale power purchase agreements (PPA) and partnerships with independent power producers to meet RE goals. This approach allows for access to RE without significant upfront investments in infrastructure. The USA market, characterized by deregulat- ed energy markets in many states, provides flexibility for corporations to source RE competitively. Furthermore, tax incentives such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the Production Tax Credit (PTC) play a crucial role in driving investments in RE projects.

However, American companies often face challenges in infrastructure development, particularly in the transmission and storage of RE. The country’s vast geography necessitates investments in long-distance transmission lines to connect RE production sites, such as solar farms in the southwest and wind farms in the Midwest, to urban centers of consumption [16]. The integration of energy storage systems, such as grid-scale batteries, remains a key operational aspect that is being progressively developed to stabilize intermittent RE supply.

In contrast, European companies tend to focus on decentralized energy systems and the integration of RE at the local level. Many European companies invest in on-site RE generation, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to directly power their operations. This approach is often supported by regional and national policies that encourage selfconsumption and localized energy generation. For example, companies like Siemens (Germany) and IKEA (Sweden) have invested in RE infrastructure on their premises, contributing to energy independence and reducing reliance on national grids. The regulatory environment in Europe, driven by stringent cli- mate policies like the European Green Deal and national RE targets, places a strong emphasis on reducing carbon emissions. Another key difference lies in the role of corporate culture and stakeholder expectations. European companies often operate within a more sustainability-focused business culture, where the integration of RE is closely tied to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and long-term environmental goals.

Conclusion

The integration of RE in both American and international companies demonstrates a multifaceted approach that balances technological advancements, environmental imperatives, and operational efficiency. The adoption of renewable technologies such as solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower enable companies to significantly reduce their carbon footprint and enhance sustainability. Companies must overcome technological challenges related to energy storage and grid integration, while also addressing environmental concerns such as biodiversity protection and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Operational strategies vary across regions, with American companies focusing on large-scale power agreements and European counterparts emphasizing decentralized energy systems. Regardless of the approach, the shift towards RE supports global sustainability goals, fosters corporate resilience, and meets the growing expectations of consumers and regulators for environmentally responsible practices.