Microsoft is purchasing nearly 400 MW of power from three new utility-scale solar projects located in Illinois and Texas. On February 10, EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) announced that these installations are now operational under long-term virtual power purchase agreements (PPAs), enabling Microsoft to acquire 389 MW of electricity alongside renewable energy credits. This collaboration marks the fifth renewable energy project partnership between the two companies in the U.S.
EDPR NA has commissioned the 140-MW Wolf Run Solar Project near Jacksonville, Illinois, alongside the 100-MW Hickory Solar Project in Jerseyville, Illinois, situated just north of St. Louis, Missouri, across the Mississippi River. Additionally, the 150-MW Cattlemen II Solar Project is now operational about 70 miles northeast of Austin, Texas.
Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America, emphasized the growing importance of ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy development directly reach local communities. “Through these three additional projects, we’re fulfilling our commitment—and the industry’s commitment—to support the nation’s increasing energy demands while investing in the long-term economic growth of our communities,” she stated.
Notably, the Hickory project leverages an Environmental Justice PPA (EJ PPA) developed by Microsoft and Volt Energy Utility, a minority-owned renewable energy developer dedicated to clean energy investments in communities adversely affected by pollution and more vulnerable to climate change impacts. As part of the EJ PPA, the Hickory project will provide funding to the Sharing the Power Foundation, which aims to offer financial support to organizations ensuring equal access to clean air, water, and renewable energy, as well as energy assistance programs. It will also facilitate workforce training opportunities in clean energy careers.
The Wolf Run and Hickory projects have contributed $4.8 million to landowners who have leased portions of their land for these projects, in addition to providing millions of dollars in tax payments to local governments. The two Illinois projects created 500 construction jobs and five permanent positions. Similarly, the Cattlemen II project in Texas is expected to generate millions in taxes for the local school district and government, along with approximately 300 construction jobs and several permanent jobs in the area.
Kourtney Nelson, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Renewable Energy Procurement, expressed enthusiasm for the projects reaching commercial operation and beginning to generate clean energy in support of grid decarbonization. “We’re pleased with EDPR NA and Volt Energy Utility’s collaboration on Hickory and the positive impact the project will have through community grants and investments in future renewable energy leaders,” she said.
—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
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