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- Google partners with BlackRock to add 1 GW of solar capacity in Taiwan.
- Investment aims to achieve 24/7 carbon-free energy and net-zero emissions by 2030.
- Initiative supports Taiwan’s renewable energy market and reduces Scope 3 emissions.
Google is taking a significant step towards its net-zero emissions goal with a new partnership with BlackRock’s Climate Infrastructure business. This collaboration aims to develop a 1 gigawatt (GW) solar energy pipeline in Taiwan, enhancing the local electricity grid’s capacity for clean energy and advancing Google’s 24/7 carbon-free goal.
David Giordano, BlackRock’s Global Head of Climate Infrastructure, remarked, “As we witness growth in demand for digital services, powered by AI and data-centric technologies, it becomes imperative to invest in clean energy. The partnership is a testament to the shared commitment between Google and BlackRock to driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Solar Investment in Taiwan
Google is making a capital investment in New Green Power (NGP), a Taiwanese solar developer, to facilitate the buildout of its large-scale solar pipeline. This investment, pending regulatory approval, will serve as development capital for NGP’s projects. Google plans to procure up to 300 MW of solar energy from this pipeline through power purchase agreements (PPAs) and Taiwan Renewable Energy Certificates (T-RECs) to meet the electricity needs of its data center campus, cloud region, and office operations in Taiwan.
Supporting Suppliers and Reducing Emissions
To further its sustainability goals, Google may offer a portion of this clean energy capacity to its semiconductor suppliers and manufacturers in the region. This initiative will help these suppliers achieve their own sustainability targets while aiding Google in reducing its Scope 3 emissions. A significant share of Google’s Scope 3 footprint is linked to the electricity grids powering its suppliers and users.
Unlocking Decarbonization in Asia Pacific
This partnership builds on over five years of collaboration to accelerate clean energy transitions in Asia Pacific. Google’s advocacy was pivotal in the 2017 amendment of Taiwan’s Electricity Act, allowing non-utility companies to directly purchase renewable energy. This move led Google to become the first corporate buyer to sign a PPA in Taiwan, contributing to the country becoming a leading corporate PPA market in the region.
Related Article: BlackRock, Temasek Decarbonization fund invests $69 Million in Neustark for Funding to Expand Carbon Removal Solution Globally
Continued progress on Google’s carbon-free energy goal is also seen in recent announcements in Australia and Japan. Additionally, Google is a founding member of the Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC), which aims to improve the policy and regulatory environment for corporate renewable electricity purchasing.
This partnership marks an important milestone in Google’s journey towards net-zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy. There is much more to be done, both in Asia Pacific and globally. For more information on Google’s sustainability initiatives, visit sustainability.google.