Microsoft has made its first solar energy deal in India, by agreeing to purchase power generated from 3MW of solar capacity operated by Atria Power for the US tech giant’s new office building in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Solar generation will meet 80% of the power needs of the building.
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Earlier this month, Microsoft made its first clean energy deal in Asia by contracting Singapore-based clean energy firm Sunseap to set up the largest rooftop solar portfolio in Singapore to power the technology firm’s data centres. Various specialists in commercial and industrial (C&I) solar have previously said that they expect one third of renewable energy PPAs in Southeast Asia to be corporate in the next three-to-five years.
“Investing in local solar energy to help power our new Bangalore office building is good for Microsoft, good for India and good for the environment,” said Anant Maheshwari, president, Microsoft India. “We are proud to be deepening our long history of partnership and investment in India with this agreement. This deal will help us grow sustainably and supports the growth of the Indian solar energy industry, so that the entire country can more easily and reliably access clean electricity.”
“Microsoft, like India, has ambitious commitments to use more renewable energy,” said Rob Bernard, chief environmental strategist, Microsoft. “By purchasing local solar power to meet some of our local electricity needs, we’re not only meeting our goals but also supporting the growth of local clean energy industries.”
Once completed, this project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy projects to nearly 900MW.
Microsoft’s goal is to rely on wind, solar and hydropower electricity for at least 50% of its energy usage worldwide by the end of 2018.
