-- Microsoft (MSFT) said Tuesday it plans to buy 3,200 acres of land to expand its data center operations in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The tech giant said it also developed a utility partnership with Black Hills (BKH) unit Black Hills Energy where power acquisition is guided by the large power contract service tariff that requires Microsoft to directly pay for all infrastructure upgrades and power procured.
Microsoft will focus on bringing additional renewable energy to the Western Electricity Coordinating Council, as well as minimizing its water usage, it said.
The datacenter project will create jobs for residents as the company plans to bolster community relationship by facilitating IT training and nonprofits, the company stated.
Shares of Microsoft and Black Hills rose 1.8% and 4%, respectively, in afternoon trading.
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