Pivot Energy and Microsoft Partner to Develop Up to 500 MW of Community-Scale Solar Energy Projects by 2029
Aug. 12, 2024
Pivot Energy, a national renewable energy provider, announced a 5-year framework agreement with Microsoft to develop up to 500 MWac of community-scale solar energy projects across the U.S. between 2025 and 2029.
While the agreement represents Pivot's Renewable Energy Credit (REC) agreement, it also marks Microsoft's distributed generation portfolio and supports the company's goal of reducing its Scope 3 emissions by more than half by 2030.
The agreement will help Pivot 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.
"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.
The projects will produce more than 1 billion kWh of electricity annually, which is enough to power approximately 90,000 homes over 20 years. This is equivalent to removing approximately 165,000 gas-powered passenger vehicles from the road each year.
The first projects are expected to be operational before the end of 2024.
The agreement highlights four main community-centric initiatives to be prioritized by Pivot:
- Increasing the diversity of its subcontractors
- Partnering with workforce development organizations and subcontractors to train and hire diverse local 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
