The US renewable energy company Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has announced an expansion of its renewable energy projects in Oklahoma. The business plans to build more than 700 megawatts (MWac) of solar energy. The company will sign long term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Google to help fund the projects. These improvements will improve Oklahoma’s electric grid’s dependability while powering Google’s data centers.
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Strategic Solar Projects
LRE is constructing the 372-MWac Mayes County Solar Portfolio in Pryor, Oklahoma. This site is strategically located within one mile of Google’s data center, ensuring efficient energy delivery. In addition to Mayes County, the Twelvemile Solar Project, which totals 352.5 MWac, is located in Southern Oklahoma. Combined, these projects bring 724 MWac of renewable solar energy capacity to the state.
There are three distinct projects in the Mayes County Solar Portfolio.  They include Huckleberry Solar at 125 MWac, Mayes Solar at 102 MWac, and Salt Branch Solar at 145 MWac. These projects report to have generated economic benefits plus job opportunities. As reported, the projects promise $76 million in tax revenue while adding 300 jobs.
Powering Data Centers and Strengthening Oklahoma’s Grid
The energy produced by the Mayes County Solar Portfolio will be supplied to the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA). Clean energy will be used to power Google’s data center in Pryor. GRDA has shown enthusiasm for partnering with Google to supply clean energy solutions to Oklahoma as the state continues to face growing energy demands.
Eran Mahrer, the Chief Commercial Officer of LRE, stressed in a statement that the collaboration will help the state’s energy grid be more dependable in addition to supporting Google’s activities. The business also emphasized its dedication to fostering economic growth and generating jobs in the area.
Supporting Oklahoma’s Growing Energy Needs
As the demand for reliable energy grows, Google’s efforts to support solar projects in Oklahoma are seen as a crucial move. The addition of over 700 MWac of new solar resources will help meet growing electricity demand while enhancing grid resilience.
GRDA’s Executive Vice President, John Wiscaver, highlighted the importance of sustainable energy projects in Oklahoma, noting that Google’s support for the solar initiatives is critical for addressing the state’s increasing energy needs.
Google’s Commitment to Carbon Free Energy
Google’s commitment to 24/7 carbon free energy by 2030 aligns perfectly with LRE’s solar projects in Oklahoma.The company’s Global Head of Data Center Energy, Amanda Peterson Corio, explained that these power purchase agreements are a significant step in accelerating the development of carbon-free energy sources for the company.
Over the course of the project, the Mayes County Solar Portfolio alone may cut CO2 emissions by 3.7 million metric tons and power more than 865,000 homes yearly. This collaboration exemplifies how big IT firms may achieve their sustainability objectives with the aid of scalable clean energy technologies.
Collaborative Efforts
Collaboration with companies such as SunChase Power and Eolian is what has been instrumental in developing these projects. Such collaborations underpin the work of the parties involved, and it’s this joint effort that works towards achieving both business and community renewable energy targets.
Expanding LRE’s solar projects in Oklahoma is a step forward in meeting regional and global energy demands. By collaborating with Google and local stakeholders, LRE continues to drive the adoption of clean, sustainable energy solutions. These solutions support economic growth and energy independence.