Software giant Microsoft closed in on a 1.4GW renewable energy portfolio with a deal to buy wind power in Ohio.
Microsoft signed two power purchase agreements with operator EDPR for output from its Timber Road IV wind farm, which will enter service this year, helping the technology group to decarbonise its operations on the wider grid.
The deal brings Microsoft’s directly-purchased renewables arsenal to almost 1.4GW, said the software group, which is among a clutch of technology giants that has led the way in signing deals with wind and solar projects, often to power datacentres.
It was one of the leading buyers of corporate renewable power in the US last year, helping to deliver a record year for the emerging class of green power deals.
There are clouds on the horizon, however – notably in fears that grid congestion could slow the US corporate renewable boom.
"We are constantly looking for opportunities where our corporate demand can not only be met but can also accelerate the transition to renewable sources,” said Brian Janous, general manager, Energy and Sustainability at Microsoft.
