• 400 MW of new solar power delivered by EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) in Illinois and Texas.
• Microsoft secures 389 MW through long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), boosting its renewable energy goals.
• Economic and community benefits include millions in tax contributions, job creation, and environmental justice initiatives.

Microsoft and EDPR NA expand clean energy partnership

EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has delivered three new utility-scale solar projects totaling 400 megawatts (MW) across Illinois and Texas. Microsoft has signed long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) to acquire 389 MW of electricity and renewable energy credits (RECs), strengthening its clean energy portfolio. These additions bring the companies’ total U.S. operational projects to five.

New solar projects powering communities

• Wolf Run Solar Project (140 MW) and Hickory Solar Project (110 MW), located in Southern Illinois, began operations in November 2024.
• Cattlemen II Solar Project (150 MW) near Austin, Texas, came online in December 2024.

Environmental justice and community impact

Hickory Solar Project operates under an Environmental Justice Power Purchase Agreement (EJ PPA), developed by Microsoft and Volt Energy Utility. This agreement funds the Sharing the Power Foundation, which supports clean energy access, workforce training, and energy assistance for vulnerable communities.

Related Article: Microsoft Launches Free Global Webinar Series ‘Microsoft Sustainability Academy’

“These investments ensure renewable energy benefits flow directly into the communities that need them most,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO, EDP Renewables North America. “We’re committed to driving economic growth alongside clean energy development.”

Economic boost and job creation

• Illinois projects: $4.8 million paid to landowners, millions in tax contributions, and 500 construction jobs created, with 5 permanent positions.
• Cattlemen II Solar Project: Millions in tax revenue, 300 construction jobs, and several permanent positions in Texas.
• Local spending: Over $10.4 million injected into nearby businesses, including service providers, hotels, and restaurants.

“It’s exciting when projects achieve commercial operations and begin generating clean energy in support of grid decarbonization,” said Kourtney Nelson, Senior Director of Renewable Energy Procurement, Microsoft. “We’re pleased with EDPR NA and Volt Energy Utility’s collaboration on Hickory and its positive community impact.”

Why it matters:

These projects align with Microsoft’s sustainability goals while delivering lasting economic benefits to local communities, reinforcing the role of renewable energy in grid decarbonization.

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