Google has signed a 150 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Orsted to purchase renewable energy generated by Helena Wind Farm for the next 15 years.
Orsted commissioned the project in mid-2022 and provides low-cost electricity to the South ERCOT service territory, enough to power an estimated 90,000 homes.
This marks the first agreement between Google and Orsted in the United States, and the second agreement globally.
Both power purchase agreements will contribute to Google’s commitment to operate all its data centers, cloud regions and offices on 24×7 carbon-free energy by 2030.
“Building a 24/7 carbon-free energy portfolio requires us to blend various resources to optimize for hourly production, and that’s exactly what this project helps us accomplish” says Sana Ouji, Energy Lead at Google.
“Google’s leadership in the investment of renewable energy and commitment to advancing 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030 sets a strong example for companies across the globe and we look forward to helping them achieve that ambition,” Monica Testa, Head of Origination at Orsted Americas, said in a news statement.
Helena Wind Farm is a 268 MW wind farm located in Pawnee, Texas. The facility represents a nearly half billion-dollar investment in Bee County and will generate tens of millions in tax revenue that will enhance county services, providing additional support for the local school districts without raising taxes.
Orsted has a target to reach 17.5 GW of onshore renewables in 2030 and aims to deliver approximately 1.5 GW of additional capacity annually whilst growing a clean energy portfolio consisting of wind, solar, storage and green hydrogen.