Technology giant Google has taken a key step in advancing its decarbonization strategy by closing a framework agreement with Brookfield, one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers. This pact will allow Google to access up to 3,000 MW of local hydropower in the United States, guaranteeing carbon-free electricity supply for its operations, especially in the PJM and MISO markets.
Details of the agreement
Specifically, the first contracts under this agreement are for the Holtwood and Safe Harbor hydroelectric plants, located in Pennsylvania, which together provide 670 MW of renewable capacity. These power purchase agreements (PPAs) will run for 20 years and are aligned with Google’s ambition to operate sustainably around the clock.
For its part, Brookfield will not only provide this renewable capacity, but will also modernize and relicense its facilities to extend their useful life and maintain them as a reliable source of generation for the grid power grid. In this way, the Canadian utility reinforces its role in providing clean and flexible energy solutions to the technology sector.
In addition, the collaboration contemplates expansion to other regions beyond the mid-Atlantic, providing flexibility and scale as Google moves forward with its plans for digital expansion and artificial intelligence development.
Hydropower and key markets
Amanda Peterson Corio, head of data center energy at Google, stressed the importance of such agreements in securing local carbon-free power in key markets such as PJM, highlighting the reliability and competitiveness of hydropower.
In turn, Connor Teskey, president of Brookfield Asset Management, emphasized that the energy demand driven by digitalization and artificial intelligence will require large-scale and diversified solutions, and hydropower will play a central role.
Thus, the pact positions Google as a leader in renewable energy consumption and consolidates Brookfield as a strategic supplier in the U.S. energy transition.
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Source: Brookfield
Photo: shutterstock
