Microsoft commissions Ohio solar project that will benefit underserved communities

Apex Clean Energy introduced that its 125-MW Wheatsborough Solar project in Erie County, Ohio, was contracted beneath the Microsoft–Volt Vitality Utility Environmental Justice Framework.

Microsoft and Volt Vitality Utility, a minority-owned photo voltaic power improvement agency, developed the framework to leverage company emission-reduction objectives to assist environmental justice, group and variety initiatives. This framework, and the Wheatsborough mission, helps Microsoft’s objective to provide 100% of its power wants with renewable power whereas modeling an influence procurement strategy that redirects sources to community-led clear power and resiliency tasks.

“Working to carry the advantages of photo voltaic power to Erie County in collaboration with Microsoft and Apex Clear Vitality, who share a dedication to group and the atmosphere, is vitally necessary to our firm,” mentioned Gilbert Campbell, CEO of Volt Vitality Utility and board chair of the Sharing the Energy Basis.

The PPA prioritizes the equitable distribution of the advantages of the clear power financial system, with a concentrate on initiatives advancing girls and minority management and job creation, carbon neutrality, habitat restoration and end-of-life recycling. A share of the income produced by the PPA will probably be invested into the Sharing the Energy Basis, which is concentrated on environmental well being and financial justice in traditionally underserved city and rural communities. As well as, Wheatsborough Photo Voltaic will fund group and conservation grants and clear power workforce improvement. By the Apex Conservation Grant Program, $125,000 will probably be awarded for native wildlife conservation, restoration or different environmental remediation investments in or close to the mission group.

“As Microsoft works towards an extra sustainable and equitable future, it’s thrilling to see our collaboration with Volt supplying new renewable power with a company like Apex,” mentioned Kourtney Nelson, director of renewable power procurement at Microsoft. “As we glance to fulfill our formidable clear power objectives, it’s vital that we ship advantages to under-resourced communities—and that’s what this mission will do.”

Throughout the building, which is underway, Wheatsborough will create over 100 native jobs, not less than 75% of which will probably be for Ohio residents. The mission is predicted to come back online within the first half of 2025.

“Growing renewable power tasks which can be dependable and sustainable is crucial; prioritizing equitable deployment will additional elevate our trade’s general influence,” mentioned Ken Younger, CEO of Apex. “This settlement permits Wheatsborough Photo voltaic to maneuver past the megawatt, creating an enduring influence in the local people and past.”