Microsoft to power its new Bengaluru office using solar

Microsoft Corporation has announced the completion of its first renewable energy deal within the Karnataka state of India. The agreement will see Microsoft purchase 3 MW of solar-powered electricity from Bengaluru based, Atria Power to help power its new office building in Bengaluru.

This will meet 80% of the projected electricity needs at the new facility. This deal is part of a state government of Karnataka program to encourage investments in local solar energy operations, in line with the Indian government goal of 100 GW by 2022, as part of India’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“Investing in local solar energy to help power our new office is good for Microsoft, good for India and good for the environment,” said Anant Maheshwari, president, Microsoft India. “This deal will help us grow sustainably and supports the growth of the Indian solar industry.”

Rob Bernard, chief environmental strategist, Microsoft said, “By purchasing local solar power, we’re not only meeting our goals but also supporting the growth of local clean energy industries. This growth leads to more clean electricity capacity, which will help India meet its targets for the Paris Agreement, reduce carbon emissions and provide clean electricity to its growing population.”

This is Microsoft’s first solar energy agreement in India, and one of the first in Asia — the company completed a new solar agreement in Singapore last week. Once completed, this project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy projects to nearly 900 MW.