BOULDER, Colo. — Oct. 19, 2026 — A new solar farm in Texas is up and running thanks in part to a partnership between Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), Carhartt, REI Co-op, and ERM Coho. The Misae II Solar Project, developed by Greenalia, has reached full commercial operation — generating clean energy and delivering renewable energy certificates to Carhartt and REI through a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) facilitated by ERM Coho and OIA’s Climate Action Corps Impact CoLab.
The solar farm reached commercial operation ahead of schedule. The milestone comes alongside national recognition: the project has been named a winner of the 2026 Green Power Leadership Award from the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) in the Impactful Procurement category.
At full scale, the Misae II Solar Farm is expected to generate an estimated 864 thousand megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy annually, avoiding an estimated 332,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. Greenalia, the project’s developer, has invested more than $500 million in Misae.
“At Carhartt, we believe the greatest impact happens through partnership,” said Amy Fencyk, vice president of people strategy, analytics and impact at Carhartt. “Misae demonstrates the power of collaboration to turn shared ambition into action. Together, we can make a greater impact, faster, while helping support the growth of clean energy.”
“The outdoors depend on a healthy planet, and we all have a role to play in protecting it,” said Jay Creech, manager of net zero at REI Co-op. “We’re excited to see this project up and running. As REI’s largest solar commitment to date, it’s helping bring new renewable energy online and shows what’s possible when organizations work together to help address climate change.”
“Developing Misae II from the ground up and bringing it into operation reflects Greenalia’s commitment to delivering the infrastructure that the energy transition depends on,” said Manuel García, CEO of Greenalia. “Projects like this give companies a real path to decarbonize and add homegrown power to the grid. Partnerships with offtakers like Carhartt and REI Co-op are what make that investment possible.”
Recognition: 2026 Green Power Leadership Award
REI Co-op submitted the Misae II VPPA for a Green Power Leadership Award, and CRS selected it as one of this year’s winners in the Impactful Procurement category. The award was presented in Washington, D.C., on September 2 at the Renewable Energy Markets (REM) Conference, where ERM Coho attended on behalf of the collaboration to accept the honor.
“This project is proof that collaboration can scale impact and shows how other companies can contribute to making the entire outdoor industry net-zero carbon,” said Chris O’Brien, partner at ERM Coho. “We hope others will follow this lead.”
The award recognizes organizations “that choose renewable energy options that most effectively drive new supply and expand markets” — including procurements that result in new projects, involve long-term contracts or early commitments, or otherwise maximize their impact on new clean energy development and the communities involved.
“This project reaching full operation confirms what we set out to prove – when outdoor industry companies pool their demand, they can access clean energy projects that might otherwise be out of reach,” said Julie Brown, senior director of industry engagement and impact at OIA. “We’re thrilled that this project has been honored by CRS with a 2026 Green Power Leadership Award.”
Learn more about the Green Power Leadership Awards and OIA’s Impact CoLabs at outdoorindustry.org.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting — and growing access to — the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
About ERM Coho
ERM Coho, fka Coho Climate Advisors, is a global climate adviser dedicated to helping clients navigate complexity and take ambitious steps on their climate journey. We provide deep market insight, analytical problem-solving, and change management expertise so that clients can switch to renewable energy and make other large-scale climate and water resiliency investments with confidence and internal alignment. To learn more about how ERM Coho can help organizations get ahead of their climate goals, visit www.cohoclimate.com.
About Carhartt
Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand with a rich heritage of developing durable products for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with more than 3,000 employees worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt.
About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 26 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.
About Greenalia
Greenalia S.A. is an independent power producer (IPP) that develops, builds and operates renewable energy projects in Europe and the United States. The company generates electricity from wind, solar and forestry biomass, the latter sourced from forest residues. Its portfolio includes operating assets in onshore wind, solar and biomass, as well as projects under development in offshore wind, energy storage and carbon capture. For more information, visit greenalia.es/en.
