The construction of the energy center is scheduled to start in 2019 and is anticipated to create approximately 500 jobs during construction.

Microsoft, the tech giant recently announced that it has contracted Invenergy, a global developer of sustainable energy solutions a to develop a 74-MW solar project in North Carolina. The project is expected to supply clean energy to Microsoft, deliver jobs and economic investment for Beaufort County and add to the growth of the U.S. solar power industry.

The Wilkinson Solar Energy Center, as the energy system has been dubbed will be constructed, operated and owned by Invenergy which will supply the energy generated at the Wilkinson Solar Energy Center solely to Microsoft. Invenergy has previously been contracted by other corporate customers to develop and deliver more than 1,600 MW of renewable energy. A power purchase agreement has been signed between Invenergy and Microsoft which is reportedly Microsoft’s fourth PPA in the PJM region and brings its total renewable energy portfolio to nearly 1.3 GW.

Brian Janous, general manager of Energy and Sustainability, Microsoft, has been reported to say that Microsoft’s investment in renewable energy is essentially an investment in the future that enables sustainable business growth as well as that of the local communities that can take advantage of the economic benefit supplied by sustainability and also the growth of the clean energy sector. Janous added that Microsoft’s work with companies like Invenergy is integral to its goal of enabling a clean energy future for everyone.

Experst estimate that the Wilkinson Solar Energy Center will generate nearly $20 million in local economic investment via landowner lease payments, tax payments and benefits for employees. The construction of the energy center is scheduled to start in 2019 and is anticipated to create approximately 500 jobs during construction.

Jim Shield, CCO and executive VP, Invenergy, has been reported to say that Invenergy is looking forward to helping leading corporate renewables customers like Microsoft in meeting their operational and sustainability goals. He added that the investment in North Carolina is an indication of the increasingly compelling value that solar power has in meeting energy needs of customers besides creating economic development opportunities for communities.