Microsoft partner with Qcells to reduce carbon emission by diversifying global energy supply chain

New Delhi: Tech giant Microsoft and global solar leader Qcells have joined hands with a commitment to be carbon negative by 2030, and to empower the clean energy economy by diversifying the global energy supply chain.

The “strategic alliance” aims to enable a strong supply chain for new renewable electricity capacity projected to require at least 2.5 gigawatts of solar panels and related services, which is equivalent to powering over 400,000 homes, Microsoft said in a blog post on Wednesday.

Qcells, owned by Hanwha Solutions headquartered in Seoul, will work with the tech giant to create solar projects and will also provide panels and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to selected solar projects Microsoft has contracted for through power purchase agreements (PPAs).

“Building a resilient solar energy supply chain is essential to advancing a global green energy economy. Microsoft’s partnership with Qcells will help make this vision a reality by bringing innovation and investment to rural Georgia,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president, of Microsoft.

“As one of the world’s largest purchasers of renewable energy, this work will help bring more solar energy to the grid, faster” he added.

The tech giant has committed to purchasing renewable energy to achieve 100 per cent coverage of electricity consumption with renewable energy by 2025.

To bring more renewable energy to the grid, Microsoft is supporting Qcells’ solar products, including those produced domestically.

Microsoft is extending its sustainability activities to support domestic production of green energy equipment in the regions it operates globally.

Microsoft is supporting Qcells’ solar products, including those manufactured domestically, to bring more renewable energy to the grid.

“We’re striving to build and deliver turnkey clean energy solutions, including those made in America, and this partnership with Microsoft will help accomplish this vision,” said Justin Lee, CEO, Qcells.

“Similarly, Qcells is proud to play a role with Microsoft to bring more renewable energy online in the years to come. This first step is only the beginning of a great partnership that not only supports our two companies but helps deliver a clean energy future for customers and communities,” Lee added.

This alliance is the first time a company that procures energy is working directly with a solar supplier to adopt clean energy on a big scale.

“The new collaboration is rooted in the two companies’ collective commitments to diversify the global energy supply chain, proactively lead the development of more reliable energy supply chains in the U.S. and abroad, and reduce carbon emissions,” Microsoft said.