Solar notches another win as Microsoft adds 475 MW to power its AI data centers

Microsoft is adding another 475 megawatts to its already considerable renewable powered portfolio to feed the growing energy appetite of its data centers. The company recently signed a deal with energy provider AES for three solar projects across the Midwest, one each in Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri. The ramp up reflects the immediacy of Microsoft’s needs. When it comes to powering data centers, it’s hard to argue with solar. Quick to install, inexpensive, and modular, it’s a perfect fit for tech companies that need electricity now. Microsoft has been tapping solar with some regularity. In February, it contracted 389 megawatts from three solar projects across Illinois and Texas. And late last year, the company announced it was anchoring a $9 billion renewable power coalition that’s organized by Acadia. The Redmond-based company’s own renewable portfolio already includes over 34 GW of capacity. While tech companies have shown increasing interest in nuclear power in recent months, ... Read full article.