Plugged In: Exploring Energy with Constellation - Episode 2

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Microsoft’s Commitment to Clean Energy and Reliability

Data center operations are presenting unique challenges to the clean energy transition. With the increasing energy demands driven by such technological advancements, Microsoft is working to maintain its commitment to lofty sustainability goals while ensuring reliable energy sources for its global data centers.

Building a Sustainable Energy Portfolio

Microsoft developed a strategic approach to create a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies. The company utilizes proven resources like wind and solar while addressing their intermittent nature by combining these energy sources to achieve up to 70% carbon-free electricity for most hours. One of its ambitious sustainability goals is becoming carbon-negative by 2030, and the company has initiatives in place that involve partnerships with organizations like Nucor and Google to advance new baseload carbon-free technologies.

With over 34 gigawatts of renewable energy contracts signed, Microsoft is leveraging extensive data to fill gaps in carbon-free electricity generation, driving progress toward targets.

The Role of Data in Achieving Sustainability Goals

Data management is critical in reaching sustainability objectives, particularly within the energy sector. Effective energy management relies heavily on the quality, granularity and frequency of data to accurately measure carbon emissions on an hourly basis, making it essential for making credible sustainability claims and ensuring that organizations can confidently report their progress toward ambitious goals.

Strategic Approaches to Carbon Reduction and Renewable Energy

A primary focus of Microsoft’s carbon reduction approach is its Carbon Innovation Fund, which aims to finance new carbon-free technologies across various sectors. This fund plays a vital role in influencing the market by providing long-term power offtake agreements that facilitate project financing.

Anderson highlights the importance of collaborating with utility companies to address issues related to permitting and infrastructure, as well as a need for hybrid solutions that enhance capacity and expand access to carbon-free electricity. As the organization continues to procure significant amounts of renewable energy and develop carbon removal projects, its commitment to scaling these efforts remains paramount.

Connect with Adrian Anderson

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Adrian Anderson is General Manager of Carbon-Free Electricity, Renewable Energy & Carbon Dioxide Removal at Microsoft. He has worked for a decade at the intersection of hyperscale and clean energy for Apple, Amazon, Google, and now Microsoft. Prior to leading teams in this capacity, he worked in renewable energy for a decade. In his current role, Adrian leads the organization within Microsoft responsible for all wholesale carbon-free electricity purchases and carbon dioxide removal programs.

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