As companies look beyond traditional renewable energy targets, a growing focus is emerging on when clean electricity is produced, not just how much is procured over the course of a year. This shift is bringing increased attention to 24/7 carbon‑free energy (CFE), an approach designed to better reflect how electricity is actually consumed on the grid.

24/7 CFE aims to align a company’s electricity use with carbon‑free generation on an hourly basis, rather than relying on annual renewable energy totals. Unlike conventional renewable procurement, which often balances usage on a yearly basis, 24/7 CFE emphasizes hourly alignment using a portfolio which can include wind, solar, storage, and market-based solutions.

Companies pursue 24/7 carbon‑free energy (CFE) to better manage emissions exposure, increase transparency, and better reflect grid conditions, particularly in competitive markets like ERCOT and PJM, where load volatility and congestion can materially affect outcomes.

ENGIE’s agreement with Einstein Bros.® Bagels uses hourly renewable matching from Texas wind and solar to cover most of the brand’s load across multiple locations. This model is increasingly relevant for retailers, data centers, and manufacturers seeking practical pathways toward deeper decarbonization in organized power markets.

Read more: ENGIE newsroom