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Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE), announced two new Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with Microsoft (MSFT), for a total of 400 MW of renewable energy to be delivered from two solar facilities currently under development in Texas.

The two new solar projects, each 200 MW, include the Morrow Lake Solar in Frio County, Texas, expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024, and Cradle Solar in Brazoria County, Texas, anticipate to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025. According to LRE, the projects will utilize First Solar ultra-low carbon, thin-film photovoltaic solar modules, provide jobs and significant local economic benefits, and include initiatives to protect and enhance the environment, such as robust land stewardship activities that promote soil health, preserve native plant species, and enhance biodiversity.

Jason Allen, LRE’s Chief Executive Officer said:

“We are honored to collaborate with Microsoft in our joint commitment to accelerate the energy transition with the addition of these clean energy projects. We look forward to strengthening our relationships with Frio County and Brazoria County as we develop and operate the two facilities and deliver substantial and transformative benefits for local residents and communities for years to come, all while we support U.S. manufacturing.”

The new agreement marks the latest in a series of renewable energy deals for Microsoft, including a 408 MW Texas-based PPA announced earlier this month with solar and storage project developer and operator Primergy, and an “Environmental Justice PPA” with EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) and Volt Energy Utility in Illinois.

In 2021, Microsoft launched a “100/100/0 clean energy goal,” with the company targeting having 100% of its electricity consumption, 100% percent of the time, matched by purchases from zero carbon energy sources by 2030, adding to its prior commitment to use 100% renewable energy in its buildings and datacenters globally by 2025. Microsoft has also committed to become carbon negative by 2030, and to cover 100% of its electricity consumption in its buildings and datacenters globally with renewable energy by 2025.

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