Feb 11, 2025 (MarketLine via COMTEX) --
The projects have invested $10.4m in construction, benefitting local businesses.
EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has delivered three new utility-scale solar projects totalling 400MW to their operational portfolio with Microsoft.
The tech giant will buy 389MW of electricity and renewable energy credits from these projects through virtual power purchase agreements.
This development expands the existing collaboration between both companies in the US to five operational projects.
In Southern Illinois, the 140MW Wolf Run solar project near Jacksonville and the 110MW Hickory solar project near Jerseyville were commissioned in November 2024
The 150MW Cattlemen II solar project near Austin, Texas, became operational in December 2024.
The Hickory solar project utilises an environmental justice PPA (EJ PPA) developed by Microsoft in partnership with Volt Energy Utility, a minority-owned renewable energy developer.
The EJ PPA is a pioneering initiative aimed at supporting communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change.
EDP Renewables North America CEO Sandhya Ganapathy stated: "The importance of ensuring benefits flowing from renewable energy development directly into communities has never been more important.
"Through these three additional projects, we're keeping our promise aEUR" and indeed the industry's promise aEUR" to contribute to the nation's growing energy demand and in that process invest in the long-lasting economic growth of our communities."
Through this agreement, the Hickory Solar project will provide funding to the Sharing the Power Foundation.
This will enable the foundation to offer financial assistance to organisations and causes promoting equal access to clean air, water and renewable energy.
It will also support energy assistance programmes and provide opportunities for workforce training in clean energy careers.
These projects have already spent $10.4m in construction, supporting service providers, restaurants, hotels and retailers.
Microsoft renewable energy procurement senior director Kourtney Nelson added: "It's exciting when projects achieve commercial operations and begin generating clean energy in support of grid decarbonisation.
"We're pleased with EDPR NA and Volt Energy Utility's collaboration on Hickory and the positive impact the project will have with community grants and investing in future renewable energy leaders."
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