As if yesterday’s announcement of Microsoft investing in a 74-megawatt solar project in North Caroline wasn’t enough, it doesn’t seem to be ready to stop there. The tech giant has increased its renewable energy portfolio even further with two 15-year purchase agreements with EDP Renewables. The investments will provide even more renewable energy for the company, thanks to the new 125-megawatt Timber Road IV Wind Farm. Microsoft’s general manager for Energy and Sustainability, Brian Janous, explains:
“Bringing new wind projects online, particularly in states with relatively few projects but strong potential for growth, delivers both economic benefits and environmental progress in the near term and well into the future. We are constantly looking for opportunities where our corporate demand can not only be met but can also accelerate the transition to renewable sources. EDPR has done great work in Ohio, and we’re pleased to partner with them to grow this market.”
Microsoft explains that the new Timber Road IV Wind Farm is powerful enough to power as many as “36,000 average Ohio homes.” In addition to creating about 200 full-time construction jobs and seven permanent jobs, the company promises that more than $1 million will be invested though annual property taxes and land leases.
The new project in question is the fourth of the Timber Road Wind Farms in the Ohio state, all owned by EDP Renewables. Altogether, the four wind farms equal to about 392 megawatts of energy generation, with the three older farms already powering 76,000 farms.
Given the amount of investment Microsoft has made in just the pas couple days, it seems the company is putting its focus on the environment into overdrive. This is definitely an important step, especially given the fact that renewable energy doesn’t seem to be a top priority in the Trump Administration.
