Commercial, Sourcing Renewables  -  November 3, 2021

Microsoft to Provide 24/7 Clean Power to VA Data Centers

Microsoft announced Nov. 2 a new renewable energy power deal that will allow it to power its data centers in Virginia with around-the-clock renewable energy.

The deal was completed with AES Corporation and will help the tech giant in the pursuit of its 100/100/0 by 2030 goal. The agreement covers existing renewable energy projects through a long-term contract, in addition to adding new clean energy capacity in the region.

“By leveraging AES' capability and presence in the PJM market, we are able to both secure additional renewable supply in support of meeting our commitment to use 100% renewable energy by 2025, and also take a meaningful step toward having 100% of our electricity matched by zero-carbon resources all of the time in the region,” Brian Janous, General Manager of Energy & Renewables at Microsoft, said in a statement. “We believe innovative commercial structures like this with AES and integrating new technologies will be key as we continue to move toward our 100/100/0 commitment.”

The energy from AES will be sourced from a portfolio of 576 MW of wind, solar and battery energy storage projects. It is estimated that 70% of the world’s internet traffic passes through Virginia data centers, representing the impact that renewable energy use in the region could have on global emissions reduction.

Brian Janous, General Manager of Energy & Renewables, Microsoft, will present the Opening Keynote, "Microsoft and the Art of the Possible"  at Smart Energy Decisions' Renewable Energy Forum, December 6-8, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Resort, Huntington Beach, California.

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