EDP Renewables North America has delivers three utility-scale solar projects and signed a long-term virtual power purchase agreement with tech giant Microsoft.

Big Tech firms have devoted tens of billions of dollars to AI data center development over the past year, while actively seeking cleaner energy sources to power them and reduce their carbon emissions.

The projects will generate about 400 megawatts, out of which Microsoft will purchase about 389 MW of electricity and renewable energy credits through virtual power purchase agreements.

EDP stated that the projects in Illinois, including a 140 MW solar project in Jacksonville and a 110 MW park near Jerseyville, began operations in November last year.

The third project is a 150 MW solar park located near Austin, Texas, which came online in December.

Throughout North America, EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA), its affiliates, and its subsidiaries design, build, own, and run energy storage systems, wind farms, and solar parks. With its headquarters located in Houston, Texas, EDPR NA has constructed over 11,200 megawatts (MW) and runs over 10,200 MW of onshore utility-scale renewable energy projects.

The company also has 61 wind farms, 18 solar parks, and eight regional offices around North America. The highly skilled team of EDPR NA, which employs over 1,000 people, has demonstrated the ability to carry out projects all over the continent.

Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO, EDP Renewables North America says, "The importance of ensuring benefits flowing from renewable energy development directly into communities has never been more important. Through these three additional projects, we’re keeping our promise — and indeed the industry’s promises — to contribute to the nation’s growing energy demand and in that process invest in the long-lasting economic growth of our communities.”