Clearloop and Microsoft Expand Solar Energy in Underserved US Communities

Clearloop, a carbon solutions platform under Silicon Ranch, has announced a multi-year partnership with Microsoft to deploy up to 100 megawatts (MWAC) of renewable energy in historically underinvested American communities over the next three years. This initiative aims to accelerate decarbonization and drive capital investment in approximately 20 diverse communities across the country.

Clearloop, an early pioneer in leveraging emissions data to maximize carbon reduction, has worked with environmental tech nonprofit WattTime to identify strategic locations for new solar projects. Strategic project placements will cut 5 million metric tons of carbon and boost Arkansas and Louisiana’s energy mix.

Building on a Successful Collaboration

Clearloop and Microsoft’s new agreement expands on their first 6.6 MWDC solar project, launched in summer 2024. That project alone will displace 200,000 metric tons of carbon while driving economic investment into Panola County, Mississippi, an area at the crossroads of the Mississippi Delta and the Appalachian Foothills.

Laura Zapata, Clearloop CEO and Co-founder, said, "We applaud Microsoft for using its purchasing power to pilot and scale innovative structures that accelerate grid decarbonization in a way that ensures all American communities can see themselves represented as we transform our economy with clean, innovative technologies."

She added, “Community-centric climate action by forward-thinking companies like Microsoft—recognizing that not all megawatt hours have the same carbon impact—are making access to carbon-free energy by more Americans possible.”

Advancing Microsoft’s Carbon-Negative Goals

The partnership aligns with Microsoft’s ambition to become carbon negative by 2030. The initiative boosts solar power on the grid, providing clean energy and economic benefits to underserved communities.

Danielle Decatur, Microsoft’s Director of Environmental Justice, said, "Clearloop helps Microsoft achieve its carbon negative goals by supporting renewable energy projects in communities across the country that might otherwise miss out on the economic and environmental benefits of the energy transition."

Chestnut Carbon and Microsoft Sign Carbon Removal Agreement

The first four projects will start construction soon and will be up and running by year’s end. These will be some of the first big solar farms powering local grids in parts of Arkansas and Louisiana, boosting clean energy.

As with all Clearloop projects, Silicon Ranch will develop, own, and also operate the new solar portfolio for its entire lifespan. Additionally, the partnership will establish a Community Benefits Fund, managed by the nonprofit Sustain Our Future Foundation, to support local communities facing social and environmental challenges.