Jan. 29, 2008 -- Intel is set to overtake PepsiCo as the largest purchaser of green power in the U.S. The tech giant will purchase more than 1.3 billion kilowatt hours a year in renewable energy certificates (RECs), a record-setting purchase that the company hopes will help stimulate the market for green power.

"Energy efficiency is an important consideration in everything we do, from building transistors to designing microprocessors and running our factories," says Intel CEO Paul Otellini. "Our renewable purchase is just one part of a multi-faceted approach to protect the environment, and one that we hope spurs additional development and demand for renewable energy."

Intel's REC purchase includes a portfolio of wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass sources. The purchase will be certified by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions' Green-e program.

Intel is a member of the U.S. EPA's Green Power Partnership program, which encourages voluntary corporate green-power purchases.