Facebook Increases Its Clean Energy Footprint In India

Facebook has inked a deal with the clean energy firm Cleanmax for a 32MW wind power project in Karnataka. Nearly half of the project capacity has already been commissioned and is generating power. Globally, Facebook has reached its 100% renewable energy status and a net zero-emission goal. The company has entered into several virtual power purchase agreements with global firms to purchase renewable energy from projects at a pre-determined price. Other technology behemoths like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are also 100% renewable energy-friendly now.

CleanMax will own and operate the project, while Facebook will buy the power off the grid using environmental attribute certificates. The companies together are looking at building a portfolio of clean energy projects to supply to the Indian electrical grid. Facebook is also targeting such arrangements in other Indian states where it has a presence. Worldwide, Facebook does not own any power plants but enters into long-term PPAs with renewable energy companies. Like in India, Facebook has also signed such deals with energy firms like Sunseap Group, Terrenus Energy, and Sembcorp Industries in Singapore for projects with generation capacities ~160MW.

“We’re excited to announce this important step that is helping us support our operations in the region, including our offices in India, with 100 per cent renewable energy. This partnership with CleanMax will enable new solar and wind power to be generated in the near future, contributing to the decarbonisation of the Indian electrical grid.” Urvi Parekh, Head of renewable energy at Facebook said in a statement.

Source: Business Standard

While CleanMax will own the projects, Facebook will provide the commitment to buy 100% of the environmental attribute certificates from the projects for years to come. India is Facebook’s largest market and such long-term commitments will go a long way in reducing the company’s carbon footprint in the nation.