Energy Efficiency, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  March 22, 2018

Microsoft signs largest U.S. corporate solar PPA

Microsoft Corp. announced on Mar. 21 the purchase of 315 MW of energy from Pleinmont I and II, two new solar projects in Virginia, representing the single largest corporate purchase of solar energy ever in the U.S.

In a statement from the company, Brad Smith, Microsoft president 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." The PPA will enable Microsoft to reach its goal of 60% RE by early 2020.

The Pleinmont projects are part of a larger 500-MW solar development owned and operated by sPower, an AES and AIMCo company. When completed, the projects will feature more than 750,000 solar panels across more than 2,000 acres, which will produce approximately 715,000 MWh a year. The full project will be the largest in Virginia and the fifth largest nationwide.

According to Ryan Creamer, CEO of sPower, Microsoft’s "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."

Brian Janous, Microsoft's General Manager of Energy Strategy will be a keynote speaker at the Smart Energy Decisions Renewable Energy Sourcing Forum in San Diego, June 18-20.  Click here for details. 

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