Microsoft inks 110-MW wind PPA with RES Americas

Nov 4, 2013 - Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) today unveiled a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc (RES Americas) for the output of the 110-MW Keechi Wind project in Texas.

The US software giant explained that the deal, its first long-term PPA, would help the company cut its carbon footprint in the region, while also supporting further investment in Texas renewables. Construction of the wind farm is to start early next year and be concluded in 2015. Danish Vestas Wind Systems A/S (CPH:VWS) is supplying 55 turbines for the project located near the town of Jacksboro.

The Keechi Wind facility will feed power into the same transmission grid that delivers electricity for Microsoft’s datacentre in San Antonio, the company noted.

Microsoft also said that to date it has invested in other alternative energy technologies such as solar and hydropower. It is also working on a biogas-powered proof-of-concept datacenter project in Wyoming. The company explained that the proceeds from its internal carbon fee programme would allow it to cover a portion of the costs associated with the 110-MW RES Americas PPA.

RES Americas is a unit of UK-headquartered Renewable Energy Systems Ltd (RES)

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