Microsoft, Powertrust to Support 270 MW of Distributed Solar

Powertrust, a Vancouver-based clean energy financing and aggregation platform, announced a new agreement with Microsoft to support the deployment of 270 MW of distributed solar projects in Mexico and Brazil over the next four years. The collaboration expands Microsoft’s renewable procurement in Latin America and accelerates project development in fast-growing distributed energy markets.

Founded in 2020, Powertrust enables companies to source clean electricity and finances distributed solar through Distributed Renewable Energy Certificates (D-RECs). These certificates verify the environmental impact of distributed generation and create new revenue streams for renewable providers, helping scale projects that often lack access to traditional financing.

Under the agreement, Microsoft will purchase RECs generated by Powertrust-supported solar installations in both countries. In addition to emissions reductions and clean energy deployment, the companies highlighted community-focused benefits, including lower electricity bills for low-income households, local job creation, and workforce training programs for solar installation and maintenance. Powertrust and Microsoft said they will also collaborate with NGOs and community leaders on long-term initiatives in education, health and infrastructure.

Danielle Decatur, director, Microsoft’s Energy Team, said the partnership aligns with Microsoft’s global sustainability commitments. “Microsoft is committed to building a more sustainable future in which communities can thrive,” she said. “Our collaboration with Powertrust reflects our belief in developing sustainability infrastructure in a fair and inclusive way, improving the health, safety and well-being of local communities.”

Nick Fedorkiw, CEO, Powertrust, said the agreement demonstrates how corporate climate leadership can support distributed generation and community development. “By investing in distributed solar in Mexico and Brazil, we not only accelerate the transition to clean energy but also deliver tangible benefits to those who need them most,” he said.

The collaboration supports Microsoft’s “100/100/0” clean energy goal announced in 2021, which aims to match 100% of its electricity consumption with zero-carbon energy purchases by 2030. The company has also committed to using 100% renewable electricity across its global buildings and data centers by 2025 and becoming carbon negative by 2030.