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Google has signed its first long-term renewable energy deal in Ireland, a 58 megawatt (MW) agreement with Power Capital Renewable Energy for new-to-the-grid capacity from the Tullabeg Solar Farm.
The deal will help Google’s offices and data centre in Ireland reach 60% carbon-free energy in 2025 when measured on an hourly basis. It also brings Ireland closer to its own renewable energy targets, which include meeting 80% of the national electricity demand with renewable energy by 2030.
This is not the first time Google has made a commitment to renewable energy. In 2020, the company announced its ambition to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy on every grid where it operates by 2030. This is a more ambitious goal than simply matching annual energy use with renewable energy purchases, as it requires developing a diverse and local portfolio of carbon-free energy resources that can match electricity demand in every hour.
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Google’s PPA with Power Capital Renewable Energy is a step towards achieving this goal. Solar generation complements the abundant wind generation already on the Irish grid, thereby increasing the extent to which Google’s data centre and offices in Ireland are matched with local, carbon-free energy sources.
This deal is also a sign of Google’s commitment to Ireland. The company has been operating in Ireland for 20 years, and this is just the latest in a series of investments it has made in the country.
The PPA is a win-win for both Google and Ireland. It helps Google achieve its sustainability goals, and it supports Ireland’s transition to a clean energy future.