Microsoft Invests in Singapore Renewables

Following in Apple's footsteps, Microsoft has purchased 100% of the renewable output from Sunseap Group's new 60-megawatt solar project and will use it to power datacenter operations in Singapore.

Microsoft has announced the creation of Singapore's "single-largest" solar energy portfolio focused on serving datacenter energy consumption, Zdnet.com reported.

Having signed a 20-year agreement with local solar energy system developer, owner and operator Sunseap Group, the 60 MW-peak solar portfolio will span hundreds of rooftops across Singapore and generate power for datacenter use.

"Our cloud services are helping to power Singapore's digital transformation and today's agreement will ensure that transformation is increasingly powered by clean energy," Microsoft Singapore Managing Director Kevin Wo said.

"With the agreement, Microsoft will improve the sustainability of our local operations and make important progress toward our corporate sustainability goals for datacenters."

The terms of the agreement see Microsoft purchase 100% of the renewable energy from the grid.

The deal is Microsoft's first renewable energy deal in Asia and its third international clean energy announcement, following two wind deals announced in Ireland and the Netherlands in 2017.

Microsoft hopes to power 50% of its global datacenter load with renewable energy this year.

"We see exciting potential in our partnership with Microsoft to raise awareness within the tech industry of the importance of adopting renewable energy solutions," co-founder and director of Sunseap, Lawrence Wu, said.

Wu believes Microsoft's investment in Singapore's solar sector indicates a growing momentum for clean energy in the country and expects this to further the positive "ripple effect" for organizations in Singapore to incorporate sustainability practices in their businesses.

Similarly, the energy company's vice president of corporate origination and development, Dominic Garetto, said the contract with Microsoft highlights how environmentally responsible energy buyers can lead Singapore's evolution as a global technology hub while fulfilling their sustainability goals.

Under the arrangement in place since early 2016, Apple's South Asia operations—supported out of its Singapore outfit—are powered by renewable energy, leasing 1.1 MW and up to 40 GWh worth of clean energy.