EDP Renewables (EDPR) has entered into a 20-year agreement with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), under which the tech giant will purchase the entirety of the renewable energy generated by EDPR’s SolarNova 8 project—Singapore’s largest solar initiative to date. The deal is significant not only for its scale but also for its potential to support Singapore’s ambitious solar energy goals and Microsoft’s sustainability commitments.
EDPR had previously been awarded Phase 8 of Singapore’s SolarNova program, the largest solar project in the country, aimed at accelerating solar photovoltaic system deployment. This project involves installing up to 200 MW of solar capacity across numerous public and government-owned buildings in Singapore. Microsoft has been actively pursuing renewable energy partnerships globally, enhancing its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy utilization.
Increasing Renewable Energy Capacity
Launched in 2014, Singapore’s SolarNova program aims to deploy at least 2 GW of solar capacity by 2030. EDPR’s latest phase is expected to contribute significantly to this target. This collaboration also marks the second agreement between EDPR and Microsoft in Singapore, following a similar initiative in the United States aimed at advancing environmental justice.
Miguel Stilwell D’Andrade, CEO of EDP Renewables, emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting it as a significant step towards achieving Singapore’s sustainability goals. The new agreement will also support Microsoft’s broader objective to operate on 100% renewable energy worldwide by 2025 and achieve carbon negativity by 2030.
Microsoft’s Sustainability Goals
Microsoft has committed to several ambitious environmental targets, including the 100/100/0 clean energy goal, which aims to match 100% of its electricity consumption with zero-carbon energy sources 100% of the time by 2030. The new agreement with EDPR is a crucial part of this commitment, ensuring that Microsoft continues to secure renewable energy to meet its decarbonization goals.
Adrian Anderson, GM of Renewables and Carbon-Free Energy at Microsoft, expressed appreciation for the partnership with EDPR, underscoring the collaboration’s role in advancing grid decarbonization efforts across multiple regions, including Singapore, the US, and Europe. This strategic alliance is expected to bolster both companies’ renewable energy portfolios and drive sustainability initiatives.
The new agreement between EDPR and Microsoft signifies a robust commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The SolarNova 8 project will play a pivotal role in supporting Singapore’s solar capacity goals and align with Microsoft’s renewable energy and decarbonization targets. Such partnerships are essential for driving global efforts towards a sustainable energy future.
