Microsoft commissions Pivot Energy to develop 500-MW community solar portfolio

Renewable energy developer Pivot Energy is working with Microsoft to develop up to 500 MWAC of community-scale solar projects across the United States between 2025 and 2029.

The agreement is Pivot’s largest renewable energy credit (REC) agreement. This also marks Microsoft’s first major distributed generation portfolio and, by matching customer electricity usage with new renewable electricity generation, supports the company’s goal of reducing its Scope 3 emissions by more than half by 2030.

“An economy fueled by clean, distributed energy can do more than provide power at low cost; it drives growth and success in communities across the nation. This collaboration between Pivot Energy and Microsoft exemplifies the power and impact that distributed generation can have,” said Tom Hunt, CEO of Pivot Energy. “Pivot Energy is proud of our industry-leading role in developing solar projects that benefit local communities. We are honored to collaborate with Microsoft to provide purpose-driven solar energy”

Through the agreement, Pivot will develop approximately 150 U.S. solar projects in roughly 100 communities across 20 states, including Colorado, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Microsoft will purchase the project RECs for a 20-year term. The first projects are expected to come online before the end of 2024.

The project portfolio agreement outlines four community initiatives that Pivot will prioritize:

Increasing the diversity of its subcontractors.
Partnering with workforce development organizations and subcontractors to train and hire local diverse talent.
Partnering with Sustain Our Future Foundation to invest in equitable community initiatives.
Increasing the energy bill savings of the community solar projects directed to low-income subscribers.

“We believe the clean energy transition can and should benefit communities across the United States that have been historically excluded from economic opportunity,” said Adrian Anderson, GM, renewables, carbon free energy, CDR, Microsoft. “Through our work with Pivot Energy and with its commitments to driving community impact, this collaboration helps to build more inclusive, local economic growth across 100 communities while addressing the sustainability needs and opportunities within those communities.”

Over 20 years, the 500 MWAC will produce enough energy to power approximately 90,000 homes a year.

News item from Pivot Energy