Google Signs Largest Offshore Wind Project Deal, Aims for Carbon-Free Operations by 2030
Google has made a significant stride towards achieving its goal of operating on carbon-free energy by 2030 with its recent landmark offshore wind project deal. The tech giant has secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) for over 700 megawatts of clean energy to power its European data centers, aligning seamlessly with its ambitious commitment to achieve net-zero emissions.
In the Netherlands, Google will harness electricity from two offshore wind projects, namely Hollandse Kust North V and West VI. This venture is expected to contribute approximately six percent of the country’s total electricity consumption. The collaboration between Shell and Eneco, controlled by Mitsubishi, has played a pivotal role in these projects, resulting in a combined capacity of 478 MW of carbon-free energy.
Upon completion, these initiatives will play a crucial role in Google’s mission to achieve over 90 percent carbon-free electricity for its Dutch data centers and offices by 2024. Additionally, Google has invested in a new onshore wind energy project in Italy, which can generate 47 megawatts of clean energy. By 2025, the company aims to have its Italian facilities operating with over 90 percent carbon-free energy on an hourly local basis.
Addressing concerns about climate change, Matt Brittin, President of Google EMEA, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable solutions. He acknowledged the increased search interest in energy crisis in 2023 and highlighted Google’s ongoing commitment to invest in solutions that accelerate the decarbonization of electricity grids.
Google has also entered agreements for increased solar power capacity in Poland, with the objective of achieving over 90 percent clean energy by 2025. Furthermore, in Belgium, the tech giant has secured Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 11 new wind farms, setting a target of 85 percent carbon-free energy in 2024 to power their data centers.
Matt Brittin, in a Google blog post, emphasized the critical role of technology in today’s world. He highlighted Google’s commitment to investing in solutions that not only decarbonize electricity grids but also alleviate stress on local grids by shifting work to different times and locations, all while ensuring the speed, safety, and responsiveness expected from Google.
Google’s recent announcement follows closely on the heels of Amazon’s agreement with ENGIE to acquire 473 MW of renewable energy from the Moray West 882 MW offshore wind farm in Scotland. Amazon aims to power its operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, five years ahead of its initial target.
By investing in offshore wind projects and renewable energy sources, Google and Amazon demonstrate their commitment to tackling climate change and leading the way towards a more sustainable future. As reliance on digital services, cloud computing, and AI technologies increases, these tech giants are setting an example for other companies to follow in the pursuit of carbon-free operations.
