Google announced signing a first-of-its-kind Hydro Framework Agreement (HFA) to receive up to 3,000 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free hydroelectric capacity across the U.S.
The tech company signed an agreement with Brookfield Asset Management along with Brookfield Renewable for the world’s largest corporate clean power deal for hydroelectricity.
The first contracts executed under the HFA are for Brookfield’s Holtwood and Safe Harbor hydroelectric facilities in Pennsylvania, representing more than $3 billion of power and 670 MW of capacity.
Under the HFA, Google has the ability to procure carbon-free electricity from up to 3,000 MWs of hydroelectric assets that will be relicensed, overhauled or upgraded to extend the asset’s useful life and continue adding power to the grid. The first contracted assets consist of hydroelectric facilities in Pennsylvania that Brookfield is relicensing. Brookfield and Google will initially focus in the mid-Atlantic (PJM) and mid-continent (MISO) electricity markets, with the flexibility to expand into other U.S. regions.
The 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) for Brookfield’s Holtwood and Safe Harbor hydroelectric facilities in Pennsylvania will support Google’s operations across PJM. The transaction structure allows Brookfield to maintain existing commitments to power consumers such as Amtrak from the Safe Harbor facility.
The HFA represents a significant step forward in Brookfield’s strategy to deliver flexible, dispatchable clean energy solutions to the technology sector and supports Google’s goal to power its operations with 24/7 carbon-free energy.
“At Google, we’re dedicated to responsibly growing the digital infrastructure that powers daily life for people, communities and businesses,” said Amanda Peterson Corio, Head of Data Center Energy from Google, in a statement. “This collaboration with Brookfield is a significant step forward, ensuring clean energy supply in the PJM region where we operate. Hydropower is a proven, low-cost technology, offering dependable, homegrown, carbon-free electricity that creates jobs and builds a stronger grid for all.”