Google has taken a significant step toward achieving its net-zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy goal by 2030 with the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Apex Clean Energy. The deal covers the entire capacity of the Rocky Forge Wind project in Botetourt County, Virginia, marking the first onshore wind farm in the state.
What is the Rocky Forge Wind Project?
The Rocky Forge Wind project, located in Virginia’s Botetourt County, is a 79.3-megawatt (MW) onshore wind facility consisting of 13 GE wind turbines. Set to become operational in 2026, the project will play a key role in Google’s efforts to decarbonize its operations in the region. The agreement signed on December 18, 2024, ensures that the entire output from this wind farm will be directed to power Google’s data centers located in Virginia.
The wind farm will be powered by advanced GE turbines, which are known for their efficiency and durability in various wind conditions. With the integration of this clean energy into Google’s operations, the company will significantly reduce its carbon footprint in the PJM Interconnection region, which serves parts of Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Google’s Commitment to Sustainable Energy
Google’s data centers are a major consumer of energy, and the company has made substantial investments in renewable energy to mitigate its environmental impact. The PPA with Apex Clean Energy is a pivotal move toward Google’s broader sustainability targets. By securing wind power from Rocky Forge, Google will ensure that its data centers in Virginia are powered with clean, renewable energy, supporting its ambitious goal to run its operations with 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030.
“The Rocky Forge Wind project builds on our strong collaboration with Apex Clean Energy to both support decarbonizing our operations in Virginia and the broader PJM grid system,” said Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s head of data center energy. This partnership highlights Google’s ongoing commitment to utilizing renewable resources to meet the growing energy demands of its data centers while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions across the grid.
The Role of Apex Clean Energy in Google’s Sustainability Strategy
This is the second PPA between Google and Apex Clean Energy. In August 2023, the companies signed a deal for the full capacity of the 189 MW Tumbermill Wind project in North Carolina. Both projects demonstrate Apex’s capacity to deliver large-scale, renewable energy solutions that align with Google’s sustainability goals.
Apex Clean Energy, a leading developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects, has positioned itself as a key partner in providing clean, reliable energy to major corporations like Google. The company’s ability to deliver projects at scale and its expertise in integrating renewable energy into existing grid systems make it a crucial player in the renewable energy transition.
Google’s Broader Efforts in Renewable Energy Procurement
The Rocky Forge Wind project is just one of several renewable energy initiatives undertaken by Google in 2024. In addition to the wind energy deal, Google signed a 12-year PPA with EnergyRe to purchase energy from a 435 MW solar project. The company has also made strides in securing solar energy PPAs with EDPR and NextEra Energy in Indiana and Nebraska, respectively.
In total, Google signed contracts for approximately 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in the 12 months leading up to December 2024. These agreements are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to meet the energy needs of its data centers, which are vital to the company’s cloud computing and AI operations.
Google’s Renewable Energy Footprint in the PJM Region
The PJM Interconnection is a crucial power grid that serves several U.S. states, including Virginia, Ohio, and North Carolina, where Google operates significant data centers. The Rocky Forge Wind project’s contribution to this region is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Google’s operations are powered by sustainable energy sources.
With the addition of the Rocky Forge project, Google continues to lead the way in integrating renewable energy into its infrastructure. The company’s commitment to purchasing renewable energy from both wind and solar projects allows it to reduce its dependence on traditional fossil fuels and significantly lower its operational emissions.
A Step Forward for the U.S. Wind Energy Market
The Rocky Forge Wind project is a landmark development for the state of Virginia, which has historically relied on traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas. The successful launch of this wind farm paves the way for further growth in the state’s renewable energy sector. As one of the first large-scale onshore wind projects in Virginia, it sets an important precedent for other companies looking to invest in clean energy in the region.
Virginia’s first onshore wind farm represents a critical milestone for the wind energy industry in the U.S. The growing interest in renewable energy projects like Rocky Forge signals the potential for future development in wind energy, especially in regions that have previously been underdeveloped for renewable resources.
FAQ Section
What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a contract between a buyer (in this case, Google) and a renewable energy developer (like Apex Clean Energy) for the purchase of electricity generated from renewable sources. It typically involves a long-term agreement to buy energy at a fixed price.
Why is Google focusing on wind energy?
Google is investing in wind energy as part of its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. Wind energy is a reliable, renewable source that helps reduce the company’s environmental impact.
How much energy does the Rocky Forge Wind project produce?
The Rocky Forge Wind project has a capacity of 79.3 MW, which will be used to power Google’s data centers in Virginia and contribute to the clean energy needs of the PJM grid.
When will the Rocky Forge Wind project begin operations?
The Rocky Forge Wind project is slated to begin commercial operations in 2026, providing renewable energy to Google’s data centers in Virginia.
How does a PPA support renewable energy projects?
A PPA provides renewable energy developers with financial security, as it guarantees long-term sales for the energy produced. This helps fund and accelerate the development of large-scale renewable energy projects.
