Microsoft launches energy storage business

Will Microsoft buy energy from a new location?

Microsoft would purchase power generated in each new location. Microsoft has previously committed to matching 100 percent of its electricity use with carbon-free energy purchases by 2030. It can’t do that without more wind and solar farms connected to the grid, which it’s helping to do with this deal.

What does Microsoft want to do with electricity?

“Microsoft wants to use our influence and purchasing power to create lasting positive impact for all electricity consumers,” Adrian Anderson, Microsoft general manager of renewables, carbon free energy, and carbon dioxide removal, said in a press release.

Why is Microsoft donating $100 million to Breakthrough Energy catalyst?

That is why today Microsoft is taking on a third role, as a donor, by announcing a $100 million grant to Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to further accelerate the development of the climate solutions the world needs to reach net-zero.

Why is Microsoft investing $13 billion in AI?

Microsoft is pumping a lot of its resources into AI offerings for its customers, investing more than $13 billion in OpenAI. AI is notoriously energy-intensive, which risks pushing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions up as its data centers gobble up more and more electricity.

What is Microsoft doing in 2024?

02 July 2024 The first phase of Datang Group’s 100 MW/200 MWh sodium-ion energy storage project in Qianjiang, Hubei Province, was connected to the grid. Microsoft has been active in solar PPA procurement, securing two PPAs for 400 MW in Texas, and a 98 MW project in Louisiana.

Does Microsoft have a solar PPA contract?

Microsoft has been active in solar PPA procurement, securing two PPAs for 400 MW in Texas, and a 98 MW project in Louisiana. It also agreed to a 12 GW solar module procurement deal with Qcells, which includes engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services from the module provider over an eight-year period.