Google has made headlines with its latest venture into renewable energy, sealing its largest offshore wind power investment yet. The tech giant revealed a series of power purchase agreements (PPAs) spanning across Europe, totaling 700MW of clean energy procurement.
The cornerstone of Google's green initiative lies in its substantial investment in the Hollandse Kust Noord Wind Farm Zone Site V and Hollandse Kust West Site VI wind farms, located off the coast of the Netherlands. Through agreements with joint ventures owned by Shell and Netherlands-based energy company Eneco, Google will purchase 478MW of wind energy, projected to supply up to six percent of Dutch energy upon completion.
Beyond the Netherlands, Google has diversified its renewable energy portfolio with ventures in Belgium, Italy, and Poland. Notably, the tech giant has committed to its first long-term PPA in Italy, acquiring 47MW from an onshore wind project and engaging in solar energy deals in Poland. These initiatives align with Google's broader vision to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy across all its data centers and campuses in Europe by 2030.
Matt Brittin, president of Google Europe, Middle East, and Africa, expressed the significance of these investments, projecting that operations in select European regions could reach over 90% carbon-free energy. This move underscores Google's commitment to sustainability and marks a significant step towards achieving its ambitious carbon neutrality goals.
While Google's endeavor signals a strong commitment to renewable energy, challenges remain in matching energy generation with consumption. Through innovative solutions like 24/7 PPAs, Google aims to bridge this gap, ensuring a consistent supply of renewable energy to power its operations. With sustainability at the forefront, Google's landmark agreements set a precedent for tech companies striving towards a greener future.
Source: electrek.co