Preem will supply Microsoft with low-carbon fuel for its Sweden datacenters
Microsoft is establishing a new cloud region in Sweden that will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy and be among the most sustainably designed and operated in the world. Microsoft’s datacenters include generators to provide essential backup power to support business continuity in case of service interruptions or outages. Preem Evolution Diesel Plus, the world´s first Nordic Eco-labelled diesel, will now be available as an option for powering backup generators at Microsoft´s Swedish datacenters.
Microsoft select Preem to be a supplier of a low-carbon fuel that can be used for the Sweden datacenters’ backup generators. One important factor is that Preem Evolution Diesel Plus contains at least 50 percent renewable raw material, which entails an almost equivalent reduction in net carbon dioxide emissions compared with standard fossil diesel. Another important factor in Microsoft’s selection of Preem Evolution Diesel Plus was the company’s commitment to sustainably sourced feedstocks for their renewable fuels.
"While diesel fuel accounts for less than one percent of our overall emissions, we believe it is important to help accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels and a step to help drive demand for sustainably-sourced, low-carbon fuels,” said Noelle Walsh, corporate vice president, cloud operations and innovation, Microsoft.
Breaking new ground for the cloud industry
Generators at datacenters are used as a backup power supply and have historically used conventional fossil-based diesel. This is the first time a cloud service provider has the firm intention to introduce a more sustainable fuel such as Preem Evolution Diesel Plus. The work has taken place in close collaboration with Microsoft and Caterpillar, the supplier of the generators at the Swedish datacenters.
By choosing Preem Evolution Diesel Plus as a fuel option for Microsoft's Swedish datacenters, the company expects at least 45 percent lower net carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional diesel fuel.
"Preem wants to be part of the transition to sustainability and today invests significant resources in developing the market's most sustainable fuels. We are extremely pleased that Microsoft has chosen to collaborate with us in its journey toward becoming carbon dioxide negative by 2030. The collaboration with Microsoft and Caterpillar bodes well for the future”, says Christian Bjerdén, VP Head of Sales at Preem.
For more information, please contact:
Preem Press Office
press@preem.se
+46 (0)70-450 10 01
PREEM is Sweden’s largest fuel company. Our vision is to lead the transition toward a sustainable society. By 2030, Preem will produce 5 million cubic meters of renewable fuels, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. Preem’s two refineries are among the most modern and environmentally friendly in Europe with a refining capacity of over 18 million cubic meters per year. Our business includes production, sales, distribution, as well as trading and the sale of goods. We refine and sell fuel, heating and lubricating oil as well as other products to companies and individuals. Most of our products, almost 80 percent, are exported to the international market, mainly to northwestern Europe. We have a nationwide service network with 570 filling stations for private and commercial traffic. Preem AB has just over 1,500 employees, of which 950 work at our refineries. In 2019, Preem’s turnover was SEK 96 billion.