[pseudalopex]

The article said Jefferies analysts estimated Microsoft might pay $110 to $115.

The article cited Lazard analysts' estimates to say this was more expensive than solar or wind. But Lazard's report said new build solar and storage could cost from $50 to $131. And new build wind and storage could cost $44 to $123.

Costs will rise over 20 years almost certainly.

And Microsoft had already large solar and wind power purchase agreements.[1] These could be affected by China's rare earth export controls scheduled to start next year. Hedging this position would be sensible.

[1] https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-cloud/blog/2024/09...