Construction of Wheatsborough Solar began in October 2022 with the planting of a cover crop on the site. Full construction began in August 2023 and is to continue through December 2024 with a scheduled commencement of commercial operations in the first quarter of 2025.
Microsoft and Volt Energy Utility have developed an innovative framework to utilise corporate emmissionality goals to support environmental justice, community and diversity projects. The framework, along with the Wheatsborough Project itself, supports Microsoft’s goal of supplying all of its energy needs with renewable energy while modelling a power procurement approach that redirects resources to community-led clean energy and resiliency projects.
The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Apex Clean Energy prioritises the equitable distribution of the benefits of the clean energy economy, with a focus on initiatives advancing women and minority leadership and job creation; carbon neutrality; habitat restoration; and end-of-life recycling.
A percentage of the revenue produced by the PPA will be invested into the Sharing the Power Foundation, which is focused on environmental health and economic justice in historically underserved urban and rural communities. In addition, Wheatsborough Solar will fund community and conservation grants and clean energy workforce development. Through the Apex Conservation Grant Programme, $125,000 will be awarded for local wildlife conservation, restoration, or other environmental remediation investments in or near the project community.
“Working to bring the benefits of solar energy to Erie County in collaboration with Microsoft and Apex Clean Energy, who share a commitment to community and the environment, is vitally important to our company” said Gilbert Campbell, CEO of Volt Energy Utility and board chair of the Sharing the Power Foundation.
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