Microsoft Partners with SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland to Boost Wind Energy Capacity in Ireland
Microsoft has recently inked a long-term Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland to increase Ireland’s wind energy capacity by 30MW through the new Lenalea Wind Farm near Letterkenny. This collaboration aims to support Microsoft’s goal of powering its data centres with 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Microsoft’s Venture into Renewable Energy with SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland
Microsoft has taken a significant step towards bolstering Ireland’s renewable energy sector by finalizing a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland. This strategic move will see the addition of 30MW of wind energy capacity to Ireland’s electricity grid through the newly commissioned Lenalea Wind Farm located near Letterkenny.
The CPPA ensures a sustainable market pathway for one of Ireland’s latest onshore wind farms, a joint venture between SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland. The agreement stipulates that the electricity generated by the seven Vestas V117-4.3MW onshore wind turbines at the Lenalea Wind Farm will contribute significantly to Microsoft’s ambitious target of operating its data centres entirely on renewable energy by 2025.
Expanding Renewable Energy Commitment
This recent announcement supplements Microsoft’s earlier commitment to 900MW of renewable energy CPPAs disclosed in November 2022. A substantial portion of this capacity, over 216MW from onshore wind and solar projects, is already operational, providing clean energy to Ireland’s grid. An additional 250MW is slated to commence commercial operations within the current year.
Noteworthy Firsts and Community Benefits
The collaboration with Microsoft marks the first joint long-term Corporate PPA venture undertaken by SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland. Corporate PPAs like this one play a crucial role in facilitating market access for renewable energy projects, thereby accelerating the deployment of clean energy sources to support Ireland’s decarbonisation objectives.
As part of the agreement, Microsoft’s involvement will also establish a Community Benefit Fund amounting to approximately €150,000 annually. This fund will be managed by a locally appointed Community Committee, responsible for overseeing the allocation of grants, with a funding strategy set to be developed collaboratively to guide the fund’s utilisation.
Operational Milestones and Investments
Following the completion of construction in December 2023, the Lenalea Wind Farm, with its 30.1MW capacity, is now fully operational, actively contributing renewable electricity to Ireland’s national grid. This development aligns with Ireland’s 2030 targets for onshore wind energy and signifies a total capital investment exceeding €40 million by SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s collaboration with SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland marks a significant stride towards enhancing Ireland’s renewable energy landscape and underscores the importance of corporate partnerships in driving sustainable energy transitions.
