Computer software giant Microsoft has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with RES Americas for the output from a Texas wind project.
In a company blog post, Microsoft says construction work will begin on the 110 MW Keechi Wind project, located near Jacksboro, next year. The wind farm will comprise 55 Vestas turbines and is slated to begin operation in 2015. Microsoft notes that the wind power will flow on the same grid to which its San Antonio data center is connected.
"By purchasing wind, we will reduce the overall amount of emissions associated with operating Microsoft facilities in this region and hopefully spur additional investment in renewable energy in Texas," the blog says.
Further, the company says the PPA helps further Microsoft's commitment to become "carbon neutral," adding that the agreement "will certainly not be our last."
