2 minute read | January.09.2024
Microsoft and Qcells, a global leader in complete clean energy solutions, have reached a 12GW renewable-energy agreement “designed to help decarbonize the grid and diversify the global clean energy supply chain.”
Orrick represented Microsoft.
The agreement “solidifies Microsoft as one of the world’s largest purchasers of renewable energy,” Qcells said.
Qcells will supply Microsoft with 12GW of solar modules and EPC services over eight years – the equivalent of powering more than 1.8 million homes a year.
Microsoft continues to invest in purchasing renewable energy and other efforts to meet its sustainability goals of being carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030.
Microsoft and Qcells will collaborate to bring an estimated 1.5 GW of solar panels a year to projects Microsoft has contracted through 2032.
Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Qcells is one of the world's leading clean energy companies. The company has an established reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules, with a portfolio of intelligent storage systems and growing international pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects.
"Our expanded agreement with Qcells is designed to drive large-scale domestic production of solar modules essential to advancing a resilient U.S. supply chain and clean energy economy," said Bobby Hollis, Vice President, Energy, Microsoft. "Through long-term agreements like this we are signaling Microsoft's demand and bringing more renewable energy to the grid, faster."
Qcells' fully integrated solar supply chain factory in Cartersville, Georgia, will supply the solar modules. The factory is a part of Qcells' $2.5 billion investment announced last year.
Eric Stephens led an Orrick team advising Microsoft. The team also included Teresa Hill and Matt Gluschankoff.
Read More Orrick Client Results