EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has launched three new solar projects in Illinois and Texas, delivering a total of 400 MW of renewable energy capacity. Microsoft has secured 389 MW of electricity and renewable energy credits (RECs) from these projects through long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), advancing its clean energy commitments. The projects include the 140 MW Wolf Run Solar Project and the 110 MW Hickory Solar Project in Illinois, as well as the 150 MW Cattlemen II Solar Project in Texas.
The projects are not only boosting clean energy supply but also generating economic benefits for local communities. The Illinois projects created 500 construction jobs and have contributed $4.8 million to landowners, along with tax revenue supporting local schools and infrastructure. Cattlemen II in Texas has added 300 construction jobs and will contribute millions in local tax revenue. Additionally, the projects have driven over $10.4 million in local spending during construction, supporting restaurants, hotels, and service providers.
A key feature of the Hickory project is its Environmental Justice PPA (EJ PPA), a collaboration between EDPR NA, Microsoft, and Volt Energy Utility, a minority-owned clean energy developer. This initiative will fund Sharing the Power Foundation, a nonprofit supporting environmental justice and equitable access to clean energy.
The agreement aligns with Microsoft’s broader sustainability goals, including its pledge to match 100% of its electricity consumption with zero-carbon sources by 2030. Microsoft’s Senior Director of Renewable Energy Procurement, Kourtney Nelson, emphasized the significance of these projects in advancing grid decarbonization and investing in the next generation of clean energy leaders.
Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America, said:
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 – and indeed the industry’s promise – to contribute to the nation’s growing energy demand and in that process invest in long-lasting economic growth of our communities.
Kourtney Nelson, Senior Director of Renewable Energy Procurement at Microsoft, said:
It’s exciting when projects achieve commercial operations and begin generating clean energy in support of grid decarbonization. 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.
