Microsoft has confirmed it will use wind energy to power its international data centre in Holland.
It has signed a deal to source 100% of the output produced from Vattenfall’s new onshore wind farm, being developed at Wieringermeer polder, from 2019.
“Investing in local clean energy to power our local data center is a win-win for our business and the Netherlands. Microsoft is committed to bringing new renewable energy sources online to power our data centres,” said Brian Janous, general manager of energy at Microsoft.
The data centre provides cloud services locally and additional capacity to global markets.
“We are very glad and proud to be able to support Microsoft’s transition towards using fossil-free energy in their data center operations,” added Magnus Hall, President and CEO of Swedish energy company, Vattenfall. “This deal is completely in line with our strategy to help all of our customers to power their lives in ever smarter ways and free from fossil fuel within one generation.”
When completed, the Wieringermeer site will be home to 100 turbines, capable of meeting the electricity needs equivalent to those of 370,000 households.
It is part of a growing trend of corporates working directly with renewable energy companies. Google and Facebook have made similar agreements as the biggest brands in the world seek to increase their use of clean power.
