Leeward Launches 200-MW Solar Plant in Texas

• Leeward Renewable Energy's Morrow Lake Solar plant powers a sustainable future for Microsoft, marking a significant milestone in Texas's renewable energy landscape.

Leeward Renewable Energy has launched commercial operations at its 200-MW Morrow Lake Solar plant in Frio County, Texas. The facility will provide electricity to Microsoft Corp under a previously established power purchase agreement. This solar plant is the first of two projects being developed under the agreement and follows LRE's 200-MW Horizon Solar project in the same area.

The Morrow Lake project was acquired by LRE in 2023 from Red River, a partnership between SunChase and Eolian, which began developing it in 2017. First Solar’s ultra-low carbon thin-film photovoltaic modules were used in the assembly of the solar farm, as part of a larger supply agreement with First Solar Inc.

How does Morrow Lake Solar contribute to Microsoft’s renewable energy initiatives?

Morrow Lake Solar plays a pivotal role in Microsoft's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. Here are some key contributions of the Morrow Lake Solar project to Microsoft's renewable energy initiatives:

• Sourcing Renewable Energy: The electricity generated by Morrow Lake Solar is set to significantly contribute to Microsoft’s renewable energy portfolio, reinforcing the company's goal to power its global operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.
• Power Purchase Agreement: By establishing a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Leeward Renewable Energy, Microsoft secures a stable and predictable source of clean energy, which supports both economic planning and sustainability objectives.
• Reducing Carbon Footprint: Morrow Lake Solar aligns with Microsoft’s mission to achieve carbon negativity by 2030 by providing a substantial amount of energy generated without greenhouse gas emissions.
• Regional Impact: The project contributes to local economies in Texas by creating jobs during construction and ongoing operations, supporting community involvement and sustainable regional development.
• Technology Innovation: Utilizing First Solar’s ultra-low carbon thin-film photovoltaic modules, Morrow Lake reflects Microsoft's commitment to modern, efficient technology in renewable energy production, contributing to lower carbon emissions and enhanced energy efficiency.
• Supporting Sustainable Development Goals: Microsoft’s partnership in renewable energy initiatives like Morrow Lake Solar supports broader environmental initiatives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating corporate responsibility in combatting climate change.
• Catalyst for Future Projects: The successful operation of Morrow Lake may encourage more renewable energy investments and partnerships for Microsoft, fostering a pathway for additional solar projects and other renewable energy sources.
• Transparency and Reporting: The partnership underscores Microsoft’s transparency in reporting progress toward renewable energy goals, which is critical for stakeholders and enhances corporate accountability in sustainability efforts.
• Setting Industry Standards: Morrow Lake Solar exemplifies how innovative partnerships between tech giants and renewable energy developers can set standards in the energy industry and inspire other companies to adopt similar initiatives.
• Resilience and Reliability: By incorporating diverse renewable energy sources, including solar from Morrow Lake, Microsoft enhances the resilience and reliability of its energy supply, ensuring stability against market fluctuations.

In summary, Morrow Lake Solar not only strengthens Microsoft's renewable energy commitment but also exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and corporate responsibility.