Madrid-based renewable energy company Zelestra announced today a new collaboration with Microsoft and non-profit organization Fundación Ecología y Desarrollo (ECODES), including a power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply Microsoft with energy from two new solar plants in Spain, and a funding arrangement to support community-led sustainability initiatives in the region.
Under the new PPA, Microsoft will purchase renewable energy from Zelestra’s Escatrón II and Fuendetodos II solar projects in Zaragoza, Aragón. The projects, anticipated to have a total capacity of more than 95 MW, are currently under construction.
Additionally, as part of the agreement, ECODES will receive funding to implement direct impact programs in the region and lead grant-making activities to support community-led sustainability initiatives, particularly with and for vulnerable communities. The companies said that funds will be used to expand access to sustainable infrastructure and healthy environments, advance economic inclusion, and resource capacity building for community-serving organizations that support and help local populations.
Scarlett Alvarez Uzcategui, Zelestra’s Chief Stakeholder and Sustainability Officer, said:
“This progressive collaboration with ECODES and Microsoft aligns perfectly with our commitment to deliver meaningful, positive impact in the communities where we operate. We will be present in Aragón for the long-term, managing our projects to support Microsoft’s clean energy needs, and we are certain that the benefits of this initiative will also have a lasting positive impact for communities nearby.”
The new collaboration follows the launch last year by Microsoft of its “Datacenter Community Pledge,” aimed at ensuring that the company’s growing datacenter footprint serves helps to address societal challenges and create benefits in local communities. Microsoft has also committed to become carbon negative by 2030, and to cover 100% of its electricity consumption in its buildings and datacenters globally with renewable energy by 2025.
Eoin Doherty, Vice President, EMEA Regional Leader, Cloud Operations + Innovation, at Microsoft said:
“As Microsoft grows its presence in Aragon, we are committed to advancing community prosperity, well-being, and sustainability. This collaboration with Zelestra and ECODES is an important part of fulfilling this commitment and ensuring that we meet our clean energy goals in a way that delivers lasting benefits to the local community.”
