The partnership between EDPR and Microsoft, most recently in Singapore, demonstrates the company's forward-thinking strategy in promoting the transition to a sustainable, decarbonized future. This collaboration, initiated in 2018, has expanded over the years and now encompasses the largest solar project in Singapore under the government's SolarNova program.

The latest development in this partnership is a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed between EDPR and Microsoft, which entails the provision of 100% of the renewable energy produced by EDPR's SolarNova 8 project. This is the second agreement between the two companies in Singapore and underscores the growing importance of long-term contracts in supporting the global energy transition. The SolarNova 8 project, set to install up to 200 MWp (megawatt-peak) of solar capacity across more than 1,000 public housing buildings and 100 government facilities, is a cornerstone of Singapore's solar energy ambitions.

This PPA is not only significant for EDPR and Microsoft but also for Singapore's broader sustainability goals. The Southeast Asian city-state has set a target to reach at least 2 GWp of solar capacity by 2030 as part of its Green Plan. The SolarNova program, launched in 2014, has been instrumental in driving the adoption of photovoltaic solar systems across public and government buildings, with the Housing & Development Board (HDB) acting as a key coordinator. By aggregating demand, the HDB facilitates large-scale solar installations, contributing to the national targets of 1.5 GWp by 2025 and 2 GWp by 2030.

Through the SolarNova 8 project, EDPR is playing a central role in Singapore's clean energy transition. The company is leveraging its expertise in large-scale solar projects, which it has developed globally, to contribute to local decarbonization efforts. In addition to providing renewable energy, the project will support Singapore's energy resilience by adding clean energy to the grid, helping the city-state reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, CEO of EDP, expressed the importance of this partnership, highlighting that the agreement with Microsoft is a catalyst for accelerating the energy transition in Singapore and beyond. According to Stilwell d’Andrade, this collaboration strengthens EDPR's global presence and aligns with its growth strategy in competitive renewable energy projects. By securing long-term contracts like this, EDPR is able to de-risk its operations and ensure steady revenue streams, which in turn allows the company to invest further in expanding its renewable energy portfolio.

Adrian Anderson, Microsoft's General Manager of Renewable Energy and Carbon-Free Energy, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the value of Microsoft's global relationship with EDPR. For Microsoft, this partnership is key to meeting its ambitious renewable energy and decarbonization targets. The tech giant has committed to consuming 100% renewable energy for its operations, and agreements like this one with EDPR are essential to ensuring a reliable supply of clean energy across its global data centers and offices.

This project in Singapore is just one example of the growing collaboration between EDPR and Microsoft. EDPR has been supplying renewable energy to Microsoft since 2019 in the United States, where the two companies have signed multiple PPAs for wind energy. One notable project is the Timber Road IV wind farm in Ohio, which has a capacity of 125 MW and can power over 36,000 homes annually. This wind farm is part of a broader portfolio of wind energy projects developed by EDPR in the U.S., contributing significantly to the renewable energy goals of companies like Microsoft, Facebook, Walmart, and Salesforce.

EDPR’s reach extends beyond the U.S. and Singapore. With a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, the company has committed more than 1.5 GWp of solar capacity as of 2024. Its goal is to increase its renewable energy capacity to at least 5 GW by 2030, positioning itself as a leader in the energy transition across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Headquartered in Singapore for its APAC operations, EDPR’s strategy is clear: to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy across the region, contributing to local and global sustainability efforts.

Ultimately, the long-term partnership between EDPR and Microsoft highlights the growing trend of major corporations securing renewable energy through PPAs, fueling the decarbonization of their operations. EDPR plays a crucial role in this transition, continuously expanding its renewable energy portfolio on a global scale, with Singapore’s SolarNova project standing as a key example of its dedication to a sustainable future. This collaboration not only helps Microsoft achieve its renewable energy goals but also supports Singapore’s ambitions to become a solar-powered nation, further reinforcing EDPR's leadership in the global renewable energy sector.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes