Microsoft Ireland achieves 100 per cent renewable energy through strategic procurement

Microsoft Ireland has reached 100 per cent renewable energy across its Irish operations through a combination of power purchase agreements and on-site generation. The achievement represents a significant procurement milestone in the company's global commitment to become carbon-negative by 2030.

Think Business disclosed that Microsoft's renewable energy strategy in Ireland combines long-term power purchase agreements with Irish wind and solar developers alongside on-site renewable installations at its data centres and campus facilities. The approach secures renewable electricity supply whilst supporting development of new generation capacity.

The company operates major data centre facilities in Dublin and has established Ireland as a significant technology hub employing over 2,500 people. Microsoft's Irish operations include cloud services infrastructure serving European customers, requiring substantial electricity consumption to maintain 24/7 availability.

Power purchase agreements form the core of Microsoft's renewable procurement strategy, providing developers with revenue certainty to finance new wind and solar projects. The contracts typically span 10-15 years and specify fixed pricing, enabling both parties to manage long-term energy cost and supply planning.

Microsoft stated that the renewable energy transition required coordination across procurement, operations and sustainability teams to align energy demand profiles with renewable generation availability. The company implemented energy efficiency measures alongside renewable procurement to reduce overall consumption.

The achievement positions Microsoft as one of Ireland's largest corporate renewable energy buyers, contributing to national targets for renewable electricity generation. Ireland aims to generate 80 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, requiring significant private sector participation in renewable energy procurement.

Microsoft's approach demonstrates how large technology companies leverage procurement scale to accelerate renewable energy deployment whilst managing operational costs and meeting corporate sustainability commitments across international operations.

Explore Microsoft Ireland's renewable energy procurement strategy and sustainability achievements.