Microsoft partners with Constellation for carbon-free energy supply in PJM

Microsoft has announced a power purchase agreement with Constellation to restart an 835 megawatt nuclear facility in Pennsylvania, which was retired in 2019. This initiative aims to supply reliable, carbon-free electricity to the PJM power grid, which serves 13 states. The agreement is part of Microsoft's broader commitment to achieving a carbon-negative status by 2030 and complements its existing renewable energy portfolio of 34 gigawatts across 24 countries. The company emphasizes a multi-technology approach to grid decarbonization, recognizing the importance of various carbon-free technologies, including nuclear energy. Microsoft has been actively shaping market demand for carbon-free electricity through innovative contracting mechanisms, such as a five-year global agreement with Brookfield Renewable Partners, which aims to develop over 10.5 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity in the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, Microsoft has established agreements to match its datacenter energy consumption with carbon-free hydro, solar, and wind power. This includes a partnership with Powerex in Washington state, which allows for the efficient storage and delivery of surplus renewable energy. The company is also focused on developing community-scale solar projects through a framework agreement with Pivot Energy, which will benefit numerous communities across the U.S. Microsoft's public policy advocacy aims to accelerate the transition to clean electricity generation and modernize grid infrastructure. The company has published a policy brief on advanced nuclear and fusion energy, highlighting their potential role in a decarbonized energy future. By advancing research and enabling safe deployment of new technologies, Microsoft seeks to contribute to an equitable energy future.