Microsoft has announced that it’s working with the Scottish energy company SSE to make the global energy sector more sustainable. The pair will collaborate on, trial and test technologies that help in the drive to net-zero. It’ll take advantage of technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing to help SSE attain its green ambitions in several areas.
Microsoft said that its work with SSE will cover three "timeframes". The first will aim to quickly achieve sustainability improvements of SSE’s assets. The second will see the partners establish collaborative environments to innovate and leverage different skill sets. The final timeframe will promote the benefits of collaboration and how it improves renewable energy supply, storage, decarbonisation and data centre energy.
Commenting on the partnership, Clare Barclay, Chief Executive Officer at Microsoft UK, said:
“The partnership between Microsoft and SSE will create the foundations for a more sustainable energy sector. By combining our expertise, skills and technology, and aligning our shared vision of a greener planet, Microsoft and SSE will develop innovative solutions and best practices that will transform business operations and help build a culture of sustainability investment and innovation across the UK.”
Interestingly enough, both Microsoft and SSE are principal partners at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) which is due to take place in Glasgow between 31 October and 12 November. The event is the main climate conference set to take place this year and is important because it’s going to be one of the last times that countries can be urged to do more to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees (compared to the pre-industrial era) before it’s too late.