Industry News
Ski Resorts consume significant energy, particularly for chairlifts and snowmaking. Shawnee Mountain chairlifts run on electricity with gas or diesel backup motors, and its snowmaking is fully powered by electricity, no longer relying on diesel compressors. Shawnee invested millions to upgrade and improve the efficiency of its snowmaking. To use sustainable energy, Shawnee has transitioned to 100% renewable energy supplied by the Priddy Wind Farm in Texas, reflecting its commitment to responsibly manage energy usage and ensure the longevity of our industry.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is proud to announce the expansion of its long-standing commitment to sustainability with a groundbreaking renewable energy agreement. Since 1985, Shawnee Mountain has been at the forefront of eco-friendly initiatives, continuously working to reduce its environmental footprint. Efforts have included transitioning from diesel to electric compressors, enhancing snow-making efficiency, and implementing environmentally conscious practices, such as eliminating Styrofoam in dining establishments.
Continuing this legacy, in 2024, Shawnee Mountain has taken a significant step forward by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) as part of a 4-year agreement with ENGIE Resources, a subsidiary of ENGIE North America. This agreement reaffirms Shawnee Mountain’s dedication to sustainable energy and environmental stewardship. Renewable Energy Credits and their impact: Under the new agreement, Shawnee Mountain will claim 6,000 annual RECs, equivalent to 6,000,000 kWh of electricity delivered to the grid from renewable energy sources.
The RECs, which are Green-e® certified, match 100% of Shawnee Mountain’s forecast annual energy load with renewable energy generated by the Priddy Wind Project in Texas. The environmental impact of this agreement is substantial. The RECs in this agreement include avoiding the greenhouse gas emissions of 2,501 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, comparable to the CO2 emissions from 2.8 million pounds of coal burned or nearly 6,000 barrels of oil consumed each year. Over the four-year term, Shawnee Mountain will achieve 24,000 RECs, significantly reducing the resort’s carbon footprint. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area’s collaboration with ENGIE exemplifies its dedication to environmental stewardship.
By aligning with a renewable energy project that supports sustainable energy, Shawnee Mountain continues to lead by example in the ski industry, showcasing that outdoor recreation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. About Shawnee Mountain Ski Area: Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is a premier ski destination in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. With a rich history of providing family-friendly winter sports and activities, Shawnee Mountain hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. Dedicated to community engagement, Shawnee Mountain is proud to support local organizations and initiatives.
For more information, visit Shawnee’s website.
