TransAlta Renewables, Inc. had reportedly announced Microsoft Corp. as its customer pursuant to a 15-year power purchase deal for a 90-megawatt wind facility now undergoing construction in Hector Township, Pennsylvania.
John Kousinioris, President of TransAlta Renewables, said that this project will advance the company’s North American growth and investment strategy. Microsoft is a leader in obtaining renewable energy and a catalyst for change in how corporate companies can control their energy procurement. Kousinioris further mentioned that the company is pleased to work with Microsoft on a project that matches its needs and helps the firm achieve its sustainability and carbon reduction objectives.
As per credible sources, the Big Level wind facility is Microsoft’s third power purchase arrangement during the PJM Interconnection. Through this Big Level Project, the tech giant’s total energy portfolio will be up by more than 1.2 gigawatts, comprising six states and three continents.
Brian Janous, General Manager of Energy & Sustainability at Microsoft, said in a statement that collaborating with companies like TransAlta in order to bring new projects online, particularly wind projects in states beyond the Wind Belt is good for the business and the clean energy economy.
According to sources familiar with the development, the Big Level wind facility will receive direct investment, tax benefits, and provide jobs and clean energy to the Hector Township, Pennsylvania. When construction will be at its peak, approximately 100 full-time equivalent jobs will be available, and during the life of the project, the communities will be eligible to over $8 million in community payments and tax benefits.
For the record, geographic and asset diversification, blocked by long-term contracted cash flows are foundations of TransAlta Renewable’s growth strategy. The company has wind and solar facilities in Wyoming, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. It is also one of Canada’s leaders in wind generation and largest hydro operator in Alberta, with a production capacity of 8000MW, reported sources.