Salesforce goes green with Blue Grass Solar Farm

Sustainability

Blue Grass Solar Farm, located in Australia and built by X-ELIO, is now operational, marking the official launch of Salesforce’s first international renewable energy agreement.

The electricity produced by Blue Grass helps Salesforce continue its commitment to net zero residual emissions and 100 percent renewable energy for its global operations.

Salesforce identified the Blue Grass project using its renewable energy procurement matrix, an assessment tool that scores a project based on its environmental, cultural, and social impacts.

Blue Grass performed well in the following categories: high avoided emissions, land use, and community engagement with X-ELIO dedicating a percentage of the project’s annual gross income to a community support and benefit sharing program.

The Blue Grass Solar Farm can generate enough electricity to power 80,000 local homes and save more than 320,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. The farm uses advanced technology, including 375,000 bifacial solar panels and half-cut cells, enhancing performance and efficiency to help decrease costs. During its two-year construction, 400 local jobs have been created and has resulted in the project delivering over $200mn worth of economic impact.

Pip Marlow, CEO of ANZ and ASEAN, Salesforce, said: “The Blue Grass agreement is critical to our vision for a net zero world. Every step closer to a future where renewable energy is powering the world is worth celebrating.”

Belinda Fan, X-ELIO’s Country Manager in Australia, said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating the official opening of the Blue Grass Solar Farm – X-ELIO’s first solar project in Australia. The completion of this project reflects the dedication and ingenuity of our local team, as well as the ongoing support of our esteemed partners and the broader Western Downs community.”