- Zelestra has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement with Microsoft for two solar projects in Zaragoza, Aragon with a total capacity of 95.7 MWac
- The PPA includes a community benefits initiative wherein Aragon-based nonprofit ECODES will lead grant-making activities to support community-led sustainability initiatives
Zelestra, a global renewable energy company, has announced a new collaboration in Aragón, Spain, with ECODES and Microsoft to boost social and environmental community investment in the region.
Through a long-term contract called a Power Purchase Agreement, Microsoft will purchase the clean energy produced by Zelestra’s Escatrón II and Fuendetodos II solar projects in Zaragoza, Aragón, which are currently in construction. The projects will have a total capacity of 95.7 MWac
As part of the agreement, Aragón-based nonprofit organization ECODES will receive funding to implement direct impact programs in the region and lead grant-making activities to support community-led sustainability initiatives, particularly with and for vulnerable communities. Community Funds will be used to expand access to sustainable infrastructure and healthy environments, advance economic inclusion, and resource capacity building for community-serving organizations that support and help local populations.
The scheme supports Zelestra’s global commitments to social investment through their 3 Es (Education, Energy and Environment) strategy and further supports Microsoft’s carbon negative goals and Datacenter Community Pledge to build and operate digital infrastructure in a way that addresses societal challenges and creates benefits for local communities. The collaboration is also closely aligned with ECODES’ mission to ensure no one is left behind during the energy transition.
Scarlett Alvarez Uzcategui, Zelestra’s Chief Stakeholder and Sustainability Officer, said: 'This progressive collaboration with ECODES and Microsoft aligns perfectly with our commitment to deliver meaningful, positive impact in the communities where we operate. We will be present in Aragón for the long-term, managing our projects to support Microsoft’s clean energy needs, and we are certain that the benefits of this initiative will also have a lasting positive impact for communities nearby.'
Cecilia Foronda, Head of Action for a Just Ecological Transition at ECODES, said: 'This collaboration with Zelestra and Microsoft is a unique opportunity to help accelerate the transition to a green, inclusive, and responsible economy in Aragon and across Spain. ECODES commits to listen to local stakeholders so that the benefits of this collaboration reach those who need them most, strengthening social participation and territorial balance and leaving no one behind.'
Eoin Doherty, Vice President, EMEA Regional Leader, Cloud Operations + Innovation, at Microsoft said: 'As Microsoft grows its presence in Aragon, we are committed to advancing community prosperity, well-being, and sustainability. This collaboration with Zelestra and ECODES is an important part of fulfilling this commitment and ensuring that we meet our clean energy goals in a way that delivers lasting benefits to the local community.'
Source: Zelestra
