Old 300 Solar Center : Ørsted signs PPA with Microsoft for 430MW solar plant

Ørsted has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Microsoft Corporation for its 430MW Old 300 Solar Center, which is being built in Fort Bend County, Texas.

The new solar power plant in Texas, which will see an investment of over $400 million, is anticipated to begin operations in the second quarter of 2022.

Adrian Anderson — Senior Director of Microsoft Renewable Energy said: “On our journey to 100 percent renewable energy, we recognize that innovation and collaboration are fundamental in how we fight against climate change.

“We’re grateful for our collaboration with Ørsted to deliver renewable energy in ERCOT and look forward to continued progress towards a net-zero carbon future.”

Ørsted signs PPA with Microsoft for 430MW Old 300 Solar Center. Photo courtesy of Ørsted A/S.

The Old 300 Solar Center is located on nearly 2,800 acres of privately owned land near Needville. It is expected to power 74,600 households annually.

Vishal Kapadia — Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer in Ørsted Onshore, commenting on the Old 300 Solar Center PPA said: “Microsoft has ambitious sustainability objectives for their Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions, and we’re thrilled to support their targets.

“Given the strong alignment in focus on emission reductions between our two organizations, I’m excited about our continued collaboration.”

Earlier this month, Ørsted signed a PPA for a solar power project in Texas with Royal DSM.