Microsoft Teams Up With Qcells To Achieve 100% Coverage Of Electricity Consumption With Renewable Energy By 2025
Qcells, a company investing in building a US solar supply chain, and Microsoft, a global technology company with a commitment to be carbon negative by 2030, are partnering to enable a strong supply chain for new renewable electricity capacity projected to require at least 2.5 GW of solar panels and related services — equivalent to powering 400,000 homes. Qcells is owned by Hanwha Solutions and headquartered in Seoul. The company will work with Microsoft to develop solar projects as well as provide panels and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to selected solar projects Microsoft has contracted for through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Microsoft has committed to purchasing renewable energy with a goal of achieving 100% coverage of electricity consumption with renewable energy by 2025. Microsoft is extending its sustainability activities to support domestic production of green energy equipment in the regions it operates globally. Microsoft is supporting Qcells’ solar products, including those manufactured domestically, to bring more renewable energy to the grid. Qcells believes it will become the only company in the United States to have a complete solar supply chain and provide one-stop clean energy solutions.
According to Microsoft and Qcells, this alliance is the first time a company that procures energy is working directly with a solar supplier to adopt clean energy on a big scale. The new collaboration is rooted in the two companies’ collective commitments to diversify the global energy supply chain, proactively lead the development of more reliable energy supply chains in the United States and abroad, and reduce carbon emissions. “Building a resilient solar energy supply chain is essential to advancing a global green energy economy. Microsoft’s partnership with Qcells will help make this vision a reality by bringing innovation and investment to rural Georgia,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft. “As one of the world’s largest purchasers of renewable energy, this work will help bring more solar energy to the grid, faster.”
“We’re striving to build and deliver turnkey clean energy solutions, including those made in America, and this partnership with Microsoft will help accomplish this vision,” said Justin Lee, CEO of Qcells. “Similarly, Qcells is proud to play a role with Microsoft to bring more renewable energy online in the years to come. This first step is only the beginning of a great partnership that not only supports our two companies but helps deliver a clean energy future for customers and communities.”
Qcells said that the growing need for American-made solar products will accelerate its transition into a one-stop shop for clean energy solutions. Qcells intends to become a leading developer for solar and other clean energy solutions such as energy storage systems. Combining its growing EPC involvement with smart energy management systems, Qcells will continue to provide completely clean energy solutions.
