Pioneering Renewable Energy Transition in US: A Comparative Case Study of Google, Apple, and Microsoft’s Utilization of Power Purchase Agreements
摘要
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the significant roles corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) play in the expansion of the U.S. renewable energy market through a detailed case study of three major technology companies - Google, Apple, and Microsoft - from 2018 to 2022. By employing a case-study methodology, the study examines the annual sustainability reports and numerical data of each company to assess their engagement with renewable energy procurement strategies through PPAs. The findings highlight how these corporations leverage PPAs not only to meet their energy needs and sustainability goals but also to establish the overall renewable-ecosystem of the United States, promoting the shift towards sustainability. The analysis further explores the impact of these strategies, quantitatively offering a progressive comparison between the PPA investments from companies and their contribution to the advancement of the renewable energy sector in the United States, underscoring their pivotal role in the power sector’s transition towards decarbonization.