Microsoft signs agreements for 237MW of wind energy

Microsoft, a global technology company, has signed two agreements for the purchase of 237MW of wind energy.

It is reported to be the largest purchase made by the technology company in the wind energy segment.

The company said that it has so far invested in more than 500MW of wind energy projects in the US.

Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith said: “Microsoft is committed to building a responsible cloud, and these agreements represent progress toward our goal of improving the energy mix at our datacenters.

“Our commitment extends beyond greening our own operations because these projects help create a greener, more reliable grid in the communities in which we operate."

Microsoft has contracted with Allianz Risk Transfer (ART) which offers tailor-made insurance to industrial and financial sectors, to fix its long-term energy costs as well as purchase the environmental attributes connected with the new, 178 MW Bloom Wind project in Kansas.

Bloom Wind project features a new structure developed by ART, which has been designed to offset high upfront costs associated with the creation of large-scale wind projects.

ART managing director Karsten Berlage said: "It is important for investors in renewable energy projects to secure long-term, stable revenues, and our structure does just that.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Microsoft on this groundbreaking project."

Additionally, Microsoft has also contracted with Black Hills subsidiary Black Hills Energy, under a long-term agreement, to purchase 59MW of renewable energy certificates from the Happy Jack and Silver Sage wind projects

Black Hills chairman and CEO David Emery said: "Our longstanding partnership with Microsoft productively led to this landmark collaboration.

“This collaboration provided them the opportunity to utilize significantly more renewable energy while still ensuring the reliability they've come to expect through our energy infrastructure and generation resources.

“We are proud to be a strong supporter and partner in their mission to power their datacenters with increased renewable energy resources, and look forward to our continued collaboration in the years ahead.”