Microsoft’s Carbon Reduction Plans Hit a Roadblock As Emissions Surge 29.1% Since 2020
When Microsoft asked AI for a green energy plan, it gave it a red one instead. Four years ago, Microsoft pledged to become carbon-negative by 2030. But instead of making progress, the company’s emissions have soared by 29.1% — largely due to extensive expansions in data centers. Nonetheless, Microsoft’s chief sustainability officer defends ramping up AI to meet demand, arguing its potential to make the world “more environmentally friendly.”
- Between 2020 and 2022, Microsoft and Google saw their electricity consumption rise by 68% and 44%, respectively, surpassing that of Slovenia.
- To reconcile the conflict between AI’s power demand and emission reduction targets, companies are increasingly turning to clean energy sources.
Big Energy deals: Earlier this month, Microsoft sealed the largest clean-energy deal ever with Brookfield Renewable Partners, which owns a global portfolio of renewable power generating facilities. BEP will supply 10.5 gigawatts of power, equivalent to 10 nuclear plants, estimating to cost over $11.5B. Last year, a record-breaking 46 gigawatts of corporate clean energy purchases were announced, up 12% from the previous year. With electricity demand showing little signs of slowing, more big deals may be on the horizon.
