EDPR NA, Volt Energy & Microsoft partneron Hickory Solar Park

Microsoft has signed an EJ PPA to purchase power from the Hickory Solar Park in Illinois. (Image Credit: Pixabay).

EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) has partnered with Volt Energy Utility and Microsoft to develop the 110 MW Hickory Solar Park in Illinois. Microsoft will purchase clean energy from the park for 15 years through an Environmental Justice PPA (EJ PPA) designed to benefit communities affected by environmental injustices. The project prioritizes social equity by involving local stakeholders and ensuring diverse leadership roles for women and minorities in construction. Hickory will also contribute to environmental sustainability through carbon offset purchases and focus on achieving long-term positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes for the local community. This project strengthens EDPR NA’s collaboration with Microsoft, which began in 2019 with a wind farm project and now includes multiple solar parks across different states.