Microsoft Azure: Microsoft signs nuclear carbon credits deal with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as part of strategic partnership
Sep 28, 2022 | Posted by MadalineDunn
Microsoft has signed a new energy deal with Canadian energy firm Ontario Power Generation (OPG) as part of a strategic partnership targeted at tackling climate change and “driving sustainable growth” in Ontario. According to Microsoft, the giant will procure Clean Energy Credit sourced from OPG’s carbon-free hydro and nuclear assets in Ontario on an hourly basis.
Aside from purchasing CECs, the partnership will see the two companies collaborate on a number of sustainability initiatives. This includes:
- Co-developing an hourly energy matching platform that utilizes Microsoft Azure IoT and AI technology to match customers' power needs with local carbon-free energy sources, which it says this will give customers greater transparency and accuracy on their emissions impact,
- OPG choosing Microsoft’s Azure as its cloud platform to modernize applications, IT infrastructure and services,
- OPG and Microsoft exploring digital co-innovation opportunities to accelerate OPG’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) program,
- Microsoft and OPG evaluating procurement of CECs associated with the carbon-free energy produced by the soon-to-be-constructed Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site, as per a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“This innovative partnership will not only spur economic development in Ontario, but also serve as a model for other companies and jurisdictions to encourage use of clean hydro and nuclear power,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO. Adding: “As part of OPG’s Climate Change Plan, we committed to achieving net zero as a company by 2040, and to act as a catalyst for efficient economy-wide decarbonization. Ensuring industry has access to clean energy to offset emissions assists in meeting that goal.”
Meanwhile, Chris Barry, President of Microsoft Canada, said that climate change can only be tackled “collectively”: “Agreements like this one with OPG will help Microsoft move closer to achieving our sustainability commitments, including our goal of having 100 percent of our electricity consumption, 100 percent of the time, matched by zero-carbon energy purchases by 2030. Working closely with like-minded organizations like OPG, will help us move toward a more sustainable future, while continuing to power innovation in Ontario.”
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