Microsoft Powers Up Renewable Energy Portfolio with 100 MW Japan Solar Deal

Microsoft Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio with 100 MW Solar Deal in Japan Microsoft has made another significant move to power its growing compute needs with renewable energy, purchasing 100 megawatts of solar capacity from Japanese developer Shizen Energy. The agreement, announced last week, covers four separate solar developments, including one already operational and three under construction. The deal will provide Microsoft with a guaranteed supply of clean energy for 20 years, supporting the company's expanding operations in Japan. Seattle-based Microsoft has two data centers in the country, and its compute capacity is set to increase as it invests $2.9 billion over the next year. "We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and increasing our use of renewable energy," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "This deal with Shizen Energy is an important step towards achieving that goal." The agreement highlights the growing trend among tech companies and data center operators to adopt solar power due to its speed, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. Solar projects can be completed within 18 months, allowing users to begin drawing power before the entire project is finished. Microsoft has been a significant buyer of solar capacity in recent months, contracting over 1 gigawatt since the start of the year. The company's commitment to renewable energy reflects its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and meet increasing demand for compute services. Shizen Energy's CEO, Satoshi Kurihara, noted that the deal demonstrates the growing importance of renewable energy in Japan. "We are proud to partner with Microsoft on this project, which will not only provide clean energy but also support the country's transition to a low-carbon economy." The purchase is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy. The company has set ambitious targets to power 60% of its data centers with renewable energy by 2025. As the tech industry continues to grow, companies like Microsoft are recognizing the importance of sustainable practices in meeting increasing demand for compute services. This deal marks another significant step towards a cleaner, more efficient future for the sector. Microsoft's investment in Japan is expected to create new opportunities for the local economy and support the country's renewable energy goals. The company will continue to monitor its environmental impact and explore further opportunities to increase its use of renewable energy. Background: Microsoft has been expanding its operations in Japan in recent years, driven by growing demand for cloud services. The company's data centers in the country are designed to meet the needs of local businesses and consumers, who require fast and reliable access to compute resources. The deal with Shizen Energy is part of a broader trend among tech companies to adopt renewable energy sources. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook have all made significant investments in solar and wind power in recent years. Implications: The purchase of 100 MW of solar capacity will provide Microsoft with a guaranteed supply of clean energy for 20 years, supporting the company's expanding operations in Japan. The deal reflects the growing importance of renewable energy in meeting increasing demand for compute services. Next Developments: Microsoft is expected to continue its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy. The company will monitor its environmental impact and explore further opportunities to invest in clean energy sources. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*