- EDP Renewables North America completed three solar projects in Illinois and Texas, adding 400 MW of capacity, with Microsoft contracting 389 MW through long-term agreements.
- These projects created over 800 construction jobs, permanent positions, and millions in tax revenue, benefiting local economies and landowners.
- The Hickory Solar Project includes an Environmental Justice Power Purchase Agreement, supporting energy access and workforce training for underserved communities.
EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has completed three large-scale solar projects in Illinois and Texas, totalling 400 megawatts (MW). Microsoft secured 389 MW of this capacity through virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), reinforcing its renewable energy goals.
Two projects, the Wolf Run Solar Project (140 MW) near Jacksonville and the Hickory Solar Project (110 MW) near Jerseyville, Illinois, began operations in November. The third, Cattlemen II Solar Project (150 MW), located near Austin, Texas, started generating power in December.
The electricity generated by these facilities will be fed into the power grid. Microsoft will purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) tied to these projects, ensuring long-term access to clean energy.
These projects provide more than energy. Wolf Run and Hickory created 500 construction jobs in Illinois and now offer five permanent positions. The two projects have already paid landowners $4.8 million through lease agreements, with millions more expected from local taxes.
In Texas, the Cattlemen II Solar Project generated 300 construction jobs. It will provide substantial tax revenue for local governments, benefiting schools and public infrastructure.
One of the solar agreements for the Hickory project is an Environmental Justice Power Purchase Agreement (EJ PPA). Developed with Volt Energy Utility, the agreement includes funding for the Sharing the Power Foundation, which supports energy access and workforce training for underserved communities.
These solar developments align with EDPR NA’s focus on building large-scale renewable energy solutions. The projects also reflect Microsoft’s strategy to increase its use of clean energy and invest in green partnerships. Microsoft’s acquisition of RECs ensures it will continue to benefit from renewable power while supporting local communities.
The three projects emphasise economic growth alongside renewable energy. In addition to job creation, the projects will deliver long-term financial benefits to local governments. Tax revenues generated by the solar facilities will improve local infrastructure and help fund public services like education.
EDPR NA’s partnership with Microsoft shows the growing demand for renewable energy from major technology companies. Large corporations are increasingly seeking clean energy solutions to meet sustainability targets.
These solar projects highlight the role of independent power producers like EDPR NA in the renewable energy landscape. By collaborating with companies like Microsoft, EDPR NA is driving the transition to clean energy across the U.S.
With a focus on sustainable development and community benefits, EDPR NA is positioned as a leader in large-scale renewable energy projects. Completing these three solar farms is a key milestone in the company’s expansion of renewable energy capacity.
As Microsoft continues to invest in clean energy, its partnership with EDPR NA is set to grow. The success of these projects underscores the importance of long-term agreements between tech firms and renewable energy providers in meeting environmental goals.