Google Signs PPA With Exus Renewables For Wind Energy

Google has made its second significant stride toward sustainability aspirations with the 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with Exus Renewables for powering Spanish operations using green energy. In this deal, Exus will provide 35 megawatts (MW) of clean energy from the Navarra-based Cascante wind farm in Spain, helping Google realize its goal of running on 24/7 carbon-free power by 2030. The action is also part of Spain's larger plan to reach 81% of renewable energy by the end of the decade, supporting the country's leadership in the clean energy transition.

The 51MW Cascante wind farm will produce more than 136 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity per year. That is sufficient to supply around 41,000 homes and avoid up to 17,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum. By getting a long-term pledge from Google, Exus Renewables continues to solidify its position as a major clean energy supplier to European data centers.

Laurent Jouvin, Exus Renewables' Director of Operations and Energy Management, reiterated the significance of this deal in driving Europe towards a low-carbon economy. "Exus Renewables and Google are strongly committed to decarbonizing the European economy. With this partnership, we will be able to accelerate Spain's transition to renewable energy and allow Google to energize its activities using clean, sustainable power while reducing energy price risks," he said.

For Google, the deal is a crucial part of its broader strategy to reach net-zero emissions across its global operations and value chain. The company has been actively working toward its ambitious goal of sourcing carbon-free energy around the clock by 2030. Will Conkling, Director of Energy Commercial Structuring at Google, highlighted the importance of such collaborations in advancing this mission. As we continue to build our ambition to run on clean energy for every hour of every day by 2030, we are always searching for ways to bring new affordable, clean, reliable power to the grid faster. With our scalable procurement model, we've been able to work effectively with Exus Renewables and advance our 24/7 carbon-free energy in Spain," he stated.

The deal was negotiated using LevelTen Energy's LEAP™ platform, a framework used to make procurement and implementation of renewable energy transactions easier. Using such forward-thinking structures, Google has managed to acquire clean energy contracts over the long term at an affordable price, procuring a stable source of clean power for its business while fueling the development of green infrastructure in Spain.

Spain's leadership in renewable energy has been a key driver of Europe's energy transition. Spain has established ambitious goals within its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), reducing carbon emissions while enhancing the proportion of clean energy sources. Google's investment in wind power through Exus Renewables is in support of these national goals, pushing the nation further towards its 2030 sustainability targets.

The effect of this deal goes beyond Google's sustainability goals. By locking in a long-term off-taker for the Cascante wind farm, the transaction guarantees long-term financial security for investments in renewable energy, paving the way for additional development of clean energy initiatives in the region. These types of partnerships are instrumental in building a robust and sustainable energy system that favors both corporations and local communities.

Google has been a pioneer in corporate sustainability initiatives, with major investments in renewable energy in various geographies. Its carbon-free energy procurement strategy has been a benchmark for other technology firms to move towards cleaner sources of energy. Data centers are one of the most power-hungry infrastructures in the world, and providing a constant supply of renewable electricity is paramount in minimizing their carbon footprint.

The Cascante wind farm agreement is the latest milestone in Google's clean energy journey, further affirming its corporate sustainability leadership. As Google further globalizes its operations, its decarbonization efforts remain a top priority. By joining forces with Exus Renewables, Google is not only locking in renewable energy for its Spanish business but also contributing significantly to furthering the world's shift toward a sustainable energy future.

With mounting pressure on companies to minimize their ecological footprint, such transactions showcase the potential that bulk procurement of renewable energy holds in fueling significant change. By committing to clean energy, Google is showing how companies can take the lead towards addressing climate change while ensuring energy security and price stability. With the world transitioning to a low-carbon economy, such strategic partnerships will play a critical role in ensuring long-term sustainability targets are met.