Memory-chip giant Micron Technology has partnered with Idaho Power to build a 40 MW solar farm near its Boise corporate headquarter. The solar plant will be used to power the company’s operations, helping it achieve its goal of being powered entirely by renewable energy by 2025.
Idaho Power has requested approval from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission for a power purchase agreement with Black Mesa Energy, LLC, an oil and gas company, to develop a solar plant for Micron.
“Micron is taking a step toward our goal of obtaining 100% renewable energy in the United States in 2025 by supporting solar development in our home state,” said Manish Bhatia, Micron executive vice president of global operations. “This demonstrates our dedication to our communities as well as the environment. We're excited to collaborate with Idaho Power and take another step toward our sustainability goals.”
Since semiconductor manufacturing is an energy-intensive process, whether the production can be powered by renewable energy is the key to achieving emission reduction target. Micron's solar-powered facility is currently utilized for research and development but is allegedly in the running for a semiconductor fabrication facility.
Idaho Power has set a goal of achieving 100% renewable by 2045. This project is part of Idaho Power's Clean Energy Your Way initiative, which allows large customers to collaborate with the company to develop renewable energy projects.
This is the same program that Meta will use for its Kuna data center, albeit the type of renewable energy used has yet to be confirmed.
Idaho Power's 20-year integrated resource plan calls for the addition of 700 MW of wind and 1,405 MW of solar capacity, as well as 1,685 MW of battery storage. The business aims to invest over US$400 million in capital expenditures for those resource increases from 2022 to 2025.
