Google has finalized the world’s largest corporate clean power pact for hydroelectricity, securing up to 3 gigawatts of U.S. hydropower. This $3 billion deal with Brookfield Asset Management includes 20-year power purchase agreements for electricity from two hydropower plants in Pennsylvania. Additionally, Google will invest $25 billion over two years to expand data centers across Pennsylvania and nearby states. These efforts reflect the tech giant’s response to the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure.
Driving Sustainability Amid Rising Energy Needs
As the technology sector consumes record levels of power after nearly two decades of stagnation, companies like Google are racing to find massive clean energy supplies. Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s head of data center energy, emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting, “This collaboration with Brookfield is a significant step forward, ensuring clean energy supply in the PJM region where we operate.” Moreover, Google is exploring innovative energy sources, having recently signed first-of-a-kind agreements for geothermal and advanced nuclear power. The company also collaborates with PJM Interconnection, the nation’s largest electricity grid operator, to deploy AI for faster integration of new power supplies.
Expanding Clean Energy and Infrastructure Investments
The hydropower deal includes upgrades and relicensing of Brookfield’s two Pennsylvania plants, with plans to expand across the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Ruth Porat, Alphabet’s president and chief investment officer, is expected to share details at an AI summit in Pittsburgh, where $70 billion in AI and energy investments will be announced. This initiative aligns with Google’s broader vision to balance rapid technological growth with responsible, sustainable energy use. Furthermore, this investment supports the company’s continuous efforts to power its data centers with cleaner, more reliable energy sources.
