Sustainability Roundtable, Inc. (SR Inc) announced today that Synopsys, Inc. has successfully purchased 90 MW of solar energy from the Millers Branch Solar Facility located in Haskell County, Texas. This purchase was facilitated through SR Inc’s Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB), which streamlined the contracting process, allowing completion in under three months.
Commitment to Emissions Reduction
This agreement with Southern Power Company is part of Synopsys’ broader strategy to meet its emissions reduction targets, which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By collaborating with NZCB, Synopsys can secure cost-effective and low-risk renewable energy transactions, prioritizing carbon abatement. This new solar purchase follows Synopsys’ earlier procurement of 15 MW of wind energy through NZCB in 2021.
Impact on Texas Energy Landscape
The Millers Branch solar project will contribute additional renewable energy capacity to the ERCOT region of Texas, which is experiencing increasing energy demands driven by the growth of large-scale computing facilities. The facility is expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, playing a crucial role in meeting the region’s electricity needs as the power generation landscape evolves.
Statements from Leadership
Jim Boyle, CEO of SR Inc., remarked, “It is possible to chart a cost-effective path to Net Zero, while democratizing the financial and environmental benefits of utility-scale clean energy. The NZCB’s previous work with the Millers Branch project for aggregated procurements laid the foundation for Synopsys to efficiently and quickly bring new renewable energy to the grid. This large procurement by a technology company can be replicated by others and sets a precedent for companies whose electricity loads are increasing due to AI innovation.”
Erika Varga McEnroe, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Synopsys, added, “Synopsys continues to identify ways to lessen its environmental impact and reach our greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Our science-based targets include a 55% reduction of scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2032. Investments in new renewable energy projects like Millers Branch Solar and our operational Azure Sky Wind Project in Texas allow Synopsys to continue progressing toward our goals.”
Achieving Renewable Energy Milestones
SR Inc’s NZCB platform has previously united multiple corporate buyers for aggregated virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for the renewable energy credits produced by the Millers Branch Solar Facility. This aggregated demand has significantly contributed to SR Inc’s ambitious goal of achieving 1 GW of new renewable energy capacity by year-end.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Synopsys and SR Inc marks a significant step forward in the transition to renewable energy, highlighting the role of corporate partnerships in achieving sustainability goals. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, initiatives like the Millers Branch project will be essential in shaping a more sustainable future.
Sources
- Sustainability Roundtable, Inc. (SR Inc)
- Synopsys, Inc.
- Southern Power Company
- Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
