Google has inked its inaugural long-term renewable energy agreement in Ireland, a 58-megawatt (MW) contract with Power Capital Renewable Energy to tap into fresh grid capacity from the Tullabeg Solar Farm. This arrangement is pivotal in aiding Google’s Irish offices and data centre in achieving a 60% carbon-free energy status by 2025 when assessed on an hourly basis. It simultaneously propels Ireland toward its own renewable energy objectives, including the aim to fulfil 80% of the nation’s electricity needs with renewable sources by 2030.
This isn’t the first time Google has committed to renewable energy. In 2020, the company set forth its aspiration to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy across all grids it operates on by 2030. This target surpasses merely matching annual energy consumption with renewable energy purchases; it entails building a diverse and local array of carbon-free energy resources that can precisely meet electricity demand every hour.
Google’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Power Capital Renewable Energy represents a stride toward attaining this goal. Solar energy, when coupled with the already abundant wind energy on the Irish grid, augments the extent to which Google’s data centre and offices in Ireland are supplied with locally sourced, carbon-free energy.
Furthermore, this deal underscores Google’s steadfast commitment to Ireland, where the company has been active for two decades, adding to its series of investments in the country. This PPA serves as a mutually beneficial arrangement for both Google and Ireland, enabling Google to make headway in its sustainability endeavours while bolstering Ireland’s shift toward a clean energy future.