The French oil and gas company will support Microsoft in its development of a long-term roadmap to diesel-free operations
Microsoft aims to phase out the usage of diesel fuel by 2030. (Credit: efes from Pixabay)
French oil and gas giant Total and technology giant Microsoft have announced a collaboration to advance digital transformation and support the transition towards net-zero emissions.
As part of the collaboration, the two companies intend to explore the deployment of low-carbon and carbon-removal technologies and AI solutions for a net-zero economy.
The collaboration will support Microsoft’s sustainability objectives, including its 2025 target for 100% renewable energy, as Total plans to expand its renewable energy capacity to 35GW in 2025 and then nearly 100GW in 2030.
It is also expected to contribute to the energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction efforts of Microsoft’s datacentres.
As part of the deal, Total will help Microsoft to procure renewable energy through power purchase agreements (PPAs). Microsoft has already signed the first PPA for a 47MW capacity to power its Spanish operations.
In addition, Microsoft aims to phase out the usage of diesel fuel by 2030, as part of its sustainability objectives. Through its affiliate Saft, an advanced technology battery solutions provider, Total will support Microsoft in the development of a long-term roadmap to diesel-free operations.
On the other hand, Total will leverage Microsoft’s cloud platforms to speed up its IT transformation. The oil and gas company will use Azure for digital transformation projects and for Total Digital Factory.
With Microsoft Office 365, Total is expected to broaden and enrich its existing modern workplace environment, providing collaboration and productivity solutions for its employees and its operations.
Total chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said: “The rapid development of Total and Microsoft in their areas of expertise brings many opportunities of cooperation for both companies, who are at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
“We are committed to bringing our expertise by selling green electricity to support Microsoft in achieving its sustainability goals, and we’re pleased to rely on Microsoft’s cloud and AI solutions to accelerate our digital transformation. This is fundamental to drive progress towards a world with net-zero emissions.”