Google has recently inked its most substantial offshore wind project deal, signaling a significant stride towards its target of operating on carbon-free energy by 2030.
The US government took a significant step towards expanding clean energy production by designating three new offshore wind areas in the Central Atlantic.
Largest Offshore Wind Projects
Google secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) for over 700 megawatts of clean energy dedicated to fueling its European data centers. This move aligns seamlessly with Google's ambitious commitment to achieve net-zero emissions throughout all its operations and the entire value chain by the year 2030.
In the Netherlands, Google will source electricity from two offshore wind projects - Hollandse Kust North V and West VI. This venture is anticipated to contribute approximately six percent of the country's total electricity consumption.
Interesting Engineering reported that a collaboration between Shell and Eneco, controlled by Mitsubishi, has resulted in projects with a combined capacity of 478 MW of carbon-free energy.
Upon completion, these ventures are expected to play a crucial role in Google's endeavor to achieve over 90 percent carbon-free electricity for its Dutch data centers and offices by 2024.
In addition to these offshore wind projects, Google has invested in a new onshore wind energy project in Italy, capable of generating 47 megawatts of clean energy. The company aims to have its Italian facilities operating with over 90 percent carbon-free energy on an hourly local basis by 2025.
Google's Commitment
Addressing the growing concerns about climate change, Matt Brittin, President of Google EMEA, emphasized the company's commitment to developing sustainable solutions in a LinkedIn post, acknowledging the heightened search interest in "energy crisis" in 2023.
In addition, they have entered into agreements for increased solar power capacity in Poland, with the aim of achieving over 90 percent clean energy by 2025.
Meanwhile, in Belgium, Google has inked Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 11 new wind farms, setting a target of 85 percent carbon-free energy in 2024 to fuel their data centers.
Highlighting the significance of these endeavors, Matt Brittin, in a Google blog post, emphasized the critical role of technology in today's world, particularly as reliance on digital services, cloud computing, and AI technologies increases.
He underscored Google's ongoing commitment to invest in solutions that accelerate the decarbonization of electricity grids and alleviate stress on local grids by shifting work to different times and locations, all while ensuring the speed, safety, and responsiveness expected from Google.
This announcement from Google follows closely on the heels of Amazon's agreement with ENGIE to procure 473 MW of renewable energy from the Moray West 882 MW offshore wind farm in Scotland.
Amazon is set to acquire over 50% of the clean energy capacity from the Moray West offshore wind project, propelling the company toward its ambitious goal of powering operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025, five years ahead of the initially targeted timeline.
This accelerated plan not only supports Amazon's renewable energy aspirations but also emphasizes Ocean Winds' dedication to local supply chains.
With more than half of the investment and operating costs of Moray West benefiting the UK economy, the project reflects a commitment to contributing positively to the local community and economy.
