EDPR signs PPA with Microsoft for windfarm in Ohio

Spanish renewable energy company EDP Renewables (EDPR) has signed two 15-year power purchase agreements (PPA) with Microsoft for 125MW of power from Timber Road IV windfarm in Ohio.

With this new agreement, Microsoft’s total renewable portfolio has now increased to nearly 1.4GW.

Microsoft Energy and Sustainability general manager Brian Janous said: “Bringing new wind projects online, particularly in states with relatively few projects but strong potential for growth, delivers both economic benefits and environmental progress in the near term and well into the future.

“We are constantly looking for opportunities where our corporate demand can not only be met but can also accelerate the transition to renewable sources. EDPR has done great work in Ohio, and we’re pleased to partner with them to grow this market.”

The Timber Road IV windfarm is expected to become operational this year and will have the capacity to power more than 36,000 households in Ohio.

During construction, the project is expected to create nearly 200 employment opportunities and seven full-time jobs when it becomes operational.

The windfarm is expected to generate $1.1m each year in annual property tax revenue for the local government.

EDP Renewables North America CEO Miguel Prado said: “Microsoft exemplifies admirable energy supply and sustainability goals, and EDP Renewables is proud to partner with it to accelerate its efforts to power its data centres with renewable energy sources.

“Agreements like these are a prime example of EDP Renewables’ ability to work with corporate customers to help them achieve their renewable energy targets and reduce carbon emissions.”

The windfarm will be Microsoft’s fifth project in the region.