TransAlta Renewables has announced that Microsoft Corp. is its customer pursuant to a 15-year power purchase arrangement signed earlier this year for the 90-MW Big Level wind facility. Construction at Big Level is now underway in Hector Township, Pennsylvania. “This project advances our North American growth and investment strategy,” said TransAlta Renewables President John Kousinioris. “Microsoft…
Microsoft & GE enter 15-year PPA to support Ireland wind farm
Microsoft announced a new wind energy agreement in Ireland. With the agreement, Microsoft will become one of the first multinational technology companies to support a new wind project in Ireland. Microsoft is entering into a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with GE to purchase 100% of the wind energy from its new, 37-MW Tullahennel wind…
Microsoft announces largest wind-power purchase to date
Microsoft Corp. announced its largest purchase of wind energy to date with the signing of two agreements. Combined, these agreements represent 237 MW of wind energy, which brings Microsoft’s total investment in wind energy projects in the U.S. to more than 500 MW. “Microsoft is committed to building a responsible Cloud, and these agreements represent progress…
ABB and Microsoft join forces to launch EV fast-charging services platform
ABB and Microsoft Corp. announced the worldwide availability of a new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging services platform. Combining ABB’s EV charging stations with Microsoft’s Azure Cloud-based services will ensure stability, global scalability, and advanced management features for ABB customers. The collaboration will take advantage of machine learning and predictive analytic capabilities to drive future innovations.…
Emerging ideas that promise to cut costs off O&M
Paul Dvorak / Editor Several recent ideas that promise to make wind farms more profitable include the possibility of wind turbines that learn, on-demand guidance for maintenance and troubleshooting, and a turbine’s perfectly performing digital twin. The recent cost of wind turbines have stabilized after a significant reduction over the past 15 years and will…
Wind work around North America
The U.S. Department of the Interior has begun auctioning the leasing rights to large areas off the coast of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey for commercial offshore wind energy development. Hundreds of thousands of acres have already been auctioned off to developers. Large companies including the likes of Wal-Mart and Google have called for…
Microsoft signs 20-year PPA for a new wind project in Chicago
Microsoft recently signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for wind energy in Illinois that will be funded in part by proceeds from Microsoft’s carbon fee. This is the company’s second PPA, following the purchase in November of wind energy from the Keechi Wind Project in Texas. This most recent power purchase, the Pilot Hill…