Microsoft announces largest corporate solar purchase in U.S.

Microsoft Corp. recently announced the purchase of 315 megawatts (MW) of energy from Pleinmont I and II, two new solar projects in Virginia, which constitutes the largest corporate purchase of solar energy ever in the United States.

The Pleinmont projects are part of a larger 500-MW solar project, owned and operated by sPower, an AES and AIMCo company.

“Today, we’re signing the largest corporate solar agreement in the United States, a 315 megawatt project in Virginia that will move us ahead of schedule in creating a cleaner cloud,” Microsoft President Brad Smith said. “This project means more than just gigawatts because our commitment is broader than transforming our own operations; it’s also about helping others access more renewable energy.”

Microsoft has met its goal to power 50 percent of its datacenters with clean energy by 2018. Microsoft is now aiming to get 60 percent of its energy from solar by 2020.

Microsoft has now directly purchased approximately 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy.

“Microsoft’s participation is a game-changer for this project and for other buyers,” Ryan Creamer, CEO of sPower, said. “Their early commitment helped ensure that the project continued to move forward and come to fruition at a time of regulatory uncertainty. Microsoft’s large off-take also helped us offer very cost-competitive options for other buyers looking at our Virginia portfolios. This model broadens the ability for buyers of all sizes to participate in a large project like this, yet only take the megawatts they need for their business goals. We’re proud to be working with Microsoft on this innovative approach.”