Developer of renewable energy Turn energy is working with Microsoft to develop up to 500 MWAC of community-scale solar projects in the United States between 2025 and 2029.
The agreement is Pivot’s largest renewable energy credit agreement (REC). This also marks Microsoft’s first major distributed generation portfolio and, by matching customers’ electricity use with new renewable electricity generation, supports the company’s goal to reduce its Scope 3 emissions by more than half by 2030.
“An economy powered by clean, distributed energy can do more than just provide power at low cost; it drives growth and success in communities across the country. This partnership between Pivot Energy and Microsoft is an example of the power and impact that distributed generation can have,” said Tom Hunt, CEO of Pivot Energy. “Pivot Energy is proud of our industry leading role in developing solar projects that benefit local communities. We are honored to work with Microsoft to deliver purpose-driven solar energy”
The agreement will see Pivot develop approximately 150 U.S. solar projects in approximately 100 communities in 20 states, including Colorado, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Microsoft will purchase the project’s RECs for a 20-year term. The first projects are expected to come online before the end of 2024.
The project portfolio agreement outlines four community initiatives that Pivot will prioritize:
- Increasing the diversity of its subcontractors.
- Collaborate with workforce development organizations and subcontractors to train and hire local diverse talent.
- Partnering with the Sustain Our Future Foundation to invest in equitable community initiatives.
- Increasing energy bill savings from community solar projects targeting low-income subscribers.
“We believe the clean energy transition can and should benefit communities across the United States that have historically been excluded from economic opportunity,” said Adrian Anderson, GM, Renewables, Carbon Free Energy, CDR, Microsoft. “Through our work with Pivot Energy and its commitment to increasing community impact, this partnership will help build more inclusive, local economic growth in 100 communities, while simultaneously advancing sustainability needs and opportunities within those communities be addressed.”
In 20 years it will be 500 MWAC will produce enough energy to power approximately 90,000 homes per year.
News item from Pivot Energy
