Microsoft Corp. has made its first renewable energy deal in Asia, partnering with Sunseap to create Singapore’s largest-ever solar portfolio.
“Our cloud services are helping to power Singapore’s digital transformation, and today’s agreement will ensure that transformation is increasingly powered by clean energy,” said Kevin Wo, managing director, Microsoft Singapore.
The 60 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar portfolio will span hundreds of rooftops across the nation. This is the largest rooftop solar project in Singapore and the first rooftop solar portfolio in the country focused on serving data center energy consumption.
Since it began operations in Singapore in 1990, Microsoft has sought to create local opportunity, growth and impact, while supporting the government’s efforts to make Singapore a smart, green and liveable city. Singapore is also home to Microsoft data center services that deliver Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and numerous other cloud services for customers.
Through a 20-year agreement, Microsoft will purchase 100 percent of the renewable energy attributes exported to the grid. This landmark agreement also marks progress for Singapore in the renewables sector.
“We are seeing a distinctive trend of local and foreign companies using up to 100 percent renewable energy to power their business operations, and Singapore is positioning itself to serve that need,” said Gian Yi-Hsen, executive director, Cleantech, Singapore Economic Development Board.
The partnership is Microsoft’s third international clean energy announcement, following two wind deals announced in Ireland and The Netherlands in 2017.
“We’re on track to exceed our goal of powering 50 percent of our global data center load with renewable energy this year. Once operational, the new solar project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy projects to 860 megawatts,” said Christian Belady, general manager, Cloud Infrastructure Strategy and Architecture, Microsoft.
