A picture taken on May 23, 2022 shows the logo of Microsoft during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos.
Microsoft has sealed a groundbreaking 20-year agreement with Shizen Energy Inc. to procure 25 megawatts of solar power capacity from a project in Aichi prefecture, Japan, Bloomberg reports.
This renewable energy deal is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to sustainability and highlights Japan's growing momentum for clean energy solutions.
A Closer Look
Microsoft's initiative to meet ambitious green goals for its data centers and operations is paramount in mounting global concerns about energy consumption and carbon emissions. This deal represents a major step in their quest to become carbon negative by 2030.
The 20-year agreement, known as a power purchase agreement, secures a substantial supply of clean energy for Microsoft's operations in Japan.
Shizen Energy's solar power plant, set to commence operations in December, is expected to significantly reduce Microsoft's carbon footprint in the region.
Big Tech Push Sustainability Goals
Large technology firms, including Microsoft and Amazon.com, are under increasing pressure from regulators and shareholders to adopt eco-friendly practices, as they account for vast amounts of electricity consumption in their data centers.
This deal reaffirms Microsoft's commitment to sustainability and serves as a model for other companies aiming to reduce their environmental impact.
Japan, with its land constraints, has faced challenges in expanding renewable energy production. However, the growing interest in clean electricity in the country is undeniable.
This landmark agreement with Shizen Energy showcases how corporations can overcome these limitations by partnering with renewable energy developers.
Read Also: Japanese Firms Unveil 'DCJPY' Digital Currency for Clean Energy Transactions by July 2024
In Other News
In other news on the green energy front in Japan, a consortium of Japanese corporations is set to introduce a revolutionary digital currency called 'DCJPY' by July 2024.
This innovative currency will transform how clean energy certificates are transacted and settled, offering a transparent and secure solution that could significantly impact the global energy landscape.
The 'DCJPY' project, spearheaded by Japanese corporations, aims to redefine how clean energy is handled in the country. GMO Aozora Net Bank, a key player in this initiative, will be responsible for issuing the 'DCJPY' currency.
The currency will operate on a network established by cryptocurrency exchange DeCurret, renowned for its expertise in digital transactions.
Starting in July 2024, 'DCJPY' will be the preferred currency for clean energy certificate transactions. This system assigns an "environmental value" to energy derived from non-fossil fuel sources, allowing for more transparent and secure transactions.
Blockchain technology will underpin these transactions, ensuring they are tamper-proof and traceable. This technological development will streamline the process, enhance the system's overall integrity, and further incentivize clean energy adoption in Japan.
What's In the News
Microsoft's renewable energy deal with Shizen Energy in Japan represents a significant step forward in the tech giant's sustainability goals.
This agreement addresses the mounting pressure on large technology firms to reduce their energy consumption.
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