Solar Energy To Power Google AI Data Center In Oklahoma
Construction Has Begun On The Mayes County Solar Portfolio, Located Just Within One Mile From Google’s Data Center In Pryor, Oklahoma
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) announced over 700-megawatt alternating current (MWac) of renewable energy projects in Oklahoma that are supported in part by long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Google.
According to LRE, these projects are strategically sited to support Google’s data center operations and leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). They will bolster the reliability of Oklahoma’s electric grid by adding renewable capacity that improves stability and diversifies the energy mix, while also supporting national energy independence. LRE said that the collaboration reinforces LRE’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving energy needs of its partners and the communities where its projects are based.
Construction has begun on the 372-MWac Mayes County Solar Portfolio, located just within one mile from Google’s data center in Pryor, Oklahoma. Together with the Twelvemile Solar Project 1 & 2 (152.5 MWac) and the Twelvemile 3 Solar Project (200 MWac), located in Southern Oklahoma, these projects total 724 MWac of solar capacity in Oklahoma.
LRE purchased the Mayes County Solar Portfolio earlier this year from Red River Renewable Energy, LLC (Red River), a joint venture between SunChase Power, LLC (SunChase) and Eolian, LP. The energy generated by the solar portfolio is delivered under firm transmission service to the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA). GRDA plans to utilize the clean energy produced by the projects to support operations at Google’s data center.
The Mayes County Solar Portfolio consists of three solar projects: Salt Branch Solar (145 MWac), Huckleberry Solar (125 MWac), and Mayes Solar (102 MWac). The projects will generate substantial economic investment in the community, creating over 300 construction jobs and contributing an estimated US$76 million in tax revenue to Mayes County over their lifespan. This funding will support vital county initiatives and schools. Additionally, over US$60,000 has been donated to the local Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce, and other essential services, further strengthening community resources.
The power purchase agreements were facilitated through LevelTen Energy’s Accelerated Process (LEAP), which was co-developed by Google and LevelTen Energy to make sourcing and executing clean energy PPAs more efficient and contribute to Google’s 2030 goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) on every grid where it operates.
“We are proud to expand our presence in Oklahoma with these projects which are ideally located to support Google’s data center operations,” said Eran Mahrer, chief commercial officer at LRE. “This partnership with Google not only strengthens our collaboration but also contributes to the reliability of Oklahoma’s electric grid and helps advance national energy independence. By utilizing domestically manufactured equipment and creating job opportunities for Oklahomans, these projects deliver tangible benefits to local communities navigating the energy transition. They underscore our commitment to responsible development and fostering economic growth in regions critical to the future of energy.”
The Mayes County Solar portfolio marks a significant advancement in the region’s renewable energy infrastructure, capable of powering the equivalent of over 865,000 homes per year and avoiding over 3.7 million metric tons of cargon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the term of the PPA.
“By partnering with Grand River Dam Authority and LRE, Google is furthering its ambition to power our facilities, including those in Oklahoma, with carbon-free energy around the clock by 2030,” said Amanda Peterson Corio, global head of data center energy, Google. “These power purchase agreements demonstrate how our scalable procurement approach is transforming the acquisition of clean energy and accelerating the development of carbon-free energy sources.”
“We began development of these energy projects in 2017, intentionally co-locating solar sites adjacent to Google’s data center load at Pryor to directly inject clean electricity into the grid at the point of consumption,” added Aaron Zubaty, chief executive officer of Eolian. “The addition of more than 700 MWac of new solar resources at carefully chosen locations will enable more efficient utilization of the regional transmission network and enhance grid resilience while also directly enabling customer expansion. In a time of growing electricity demand to power our overall economy, these solar projects provide a very tangible and real solution.”
“We are seeing a dramatic increase in the demand for reliable electricity throughout the country. Google’s support for these solar projects in Oklahoma is a testament to their commitment to help meet the state’s growing energy needs with secure, sustainable solutions.” said John Wiscaver, executive vice president at GRDA. “Google is a valuable partner to GRDA, and we look forward to helping them meet their future power needs while continuing to foster economic growth in the GRDA communities of Northeast Oklahoma.”
LRE said that it acknowledges the invaluable collaboration with SunChase and Eolian, whose expertise and commitment to renewable energy development have been instrumental in realizing these projects.
“SunChase is proud to see these Mayes County solar energy projects moving forward, bringing utility-scale solar power to a fast-growing part of the state where it will support continued economic development with clean energy,” said Teran Smith, Vice President, SunChase Power, LLC.
