Microsoft Supercharges AI Ambitions with Massive 400MW Solar Power Purchase
Microsoft's 400MW solar purchase fuels AI growth with renewable energy, advancing its carbon-negative goal.
Matilda
Microsoft Supercharges AI Ambitions with Massive 400MW Solar Power Purchase
The insatiable appetite of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a surge in energy consumption, pushing tech giants like Microsoft to seek innovative and sustainable solutions. In a bold move demonstrating its commitment to both AI advancement and environmental responsibility, Microsoft has inked a deal for nearly 400 megawatts (MW) of solar power. This substantial purchase, detailed in their 2024 sustainability report, bolsters Microsoft's renewable energy portfolio and signifies a strategic approach to powering its rapidly expanding cloud and AI infrastructure. This isn't just about keeping the lights on; it's about fueling the future of technology responsibly. Microsoft's latest acquisition, equivalent to roughly a 2% increase in their existing renewable energy capacity (which already stands at nearly 20 gigawatts), will be sourced from three solar projects developed by EDP Renewables North America. Two of these projects are located in southern Illinois, while th…