A Boise-based tech giant is adding to Idaho’s renewable energy arsenal.
This week, Idaho Power and semi-conductor manufacturer Micron Technology announced the construction of a new 40-megawatt solar energy project to power the tech company’s operations. This effort is part of Micron’s goal for 100% renewable energy for its American operations by the end of 2025.
The project will be located near Micron’s corporate headquarters in Southeast Boise. Although the site is mostly home to research and development operations now, sources told BoiseDev the site is in the running for a fabrication facility as the company tries to build up its United States operations.
“Micron is taking a step toward our goal of reaching 100% renewable energy in the U.S. in 2025 by supporting solar development in our home state,” Micron Executive Vice President of Global Operations Manish Bhatia wrote in a press release. “This highlights our commitments to both our communities and the environment. We’re pleased to partner with Idaho Power and bring our efforts one step closer to meeting our sustainability goals.”
Idaho Power is also aiming to get its customers switched to 100% renewable energy by 2045. This project is part of its Clean Energy Your Way program, allowing large customers to partner with Idaho Power to build dedicated renewable energy projects to meet their specific needs. This is the same program Meta will be participating in to power its Kuna data center, but it’s unknown yet what form the renewable energy project will take.
Another green project from Micron
This isn’t the first time Micron has been involved in sustainability projects in the Treasure Valley.
Micron was a large donor to the City of Boise’s 2021 bond to expand the water renewal system with a new water recycling component. Part of the city’s vision is building a third sewer treatment plant near Micron’s headquarters in Southeast Boise where water from industrial users could use water, have it cleaned and returned to their facility in a “closed-loop” style system.
Semiconductor manufacturing is a water-intensive process, making water availability a big concern for the company as it selects a location for new manufacturing facilities. Micron is also going to host a pilot study of water recycling technology on its property in the coming year as the city hones the technology.
Source: https://boisedev.com/news/2022/03/24/idaho-power-micron/