Overview:

Google has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Apex Clean Energy to procure the entire output of the Rocky Forge Wind project, Virginia's inaugural onshore wind farm. This collaboration aligns with Google's objective to operate its data centers on carbon-free energy around the clock by 2030.

The Rocky Forge Wind project, situated in Botetourt County, Virginia, boasts a capacity of 79.3 megawatts and comprises 13 General Electric wind turbines. The facility is scheduled to commence commercial operations in 2026. The electricity generated will supply Google's data centers in Virginia, reinforcing the company's sustainability initiatives.

Amanda Peterson Corio, Google's Head of Data Center Energy, emphasized the significance of this venture, stating, "The Rocky Forge Wind project builds on our strong collaboration with Apex Clean Energy to both support decarbonizing our operations in Virginia and the broader PJM grid system."

Apex Clean Energy, headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in the development, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across the United States. Eamon Perrel, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Apex, remarked, "Rocky Forge represents a new chapter in Virginia’s energy transition, delivering lasting economic and environmental benefits to Apex’s home state while advancing Google’s sustainability goals."

This agreement marks the second collaboration between Google and Apex Clean Energy. In August 2023, the two companies signed an offtake agreement for the full capacity of the 189-megawatt Timbermill Wind project in Chowan County, North Carolina.

Offtaker:

* Name: Google LLC

* Website: https://about.google/

* Profile: Google is a multinational technology company specializing in internet-related services and products, including online search, advertising, cloud computing, and software.

* Location: Mountain View, California, USA

* Industry: Technology

* Sub-industry: Internet Services and Products

* Executives Involved: Amanda Peterson Corio, Head of Data Center Energy

Producer:

* Name: Apex Clean Energy

* Website: https://www.apexcleanenergy.com/

* Profile: Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across the United States, aiming to accelerate the shift to clean energy.

* Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

* Industry: Renewable Energy

* Sub-industry: Wind and Solar Energy Production

* Executives Involved: Ken Young, Chief Executive Officer

Deal:

* Energy Source: Wind

* Technology: Onshore Wind Turbines

* Plant Capacity (MW): 79.3

* Energy Volume Sold (MWh): Not specified

* Power Plant Name: Rocky Forge Wind

* Power Plant Location: Botetourt County, Virginia, USA

* Power Plant Description: Virginia's first onshore wind farm, comprising 13 GE wind turbines, expected to generate enough energy to power up to 21,000 U.S. homes annually.

* Offtake Location(s): Google's data centers in Virginia

* Contract Type: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

* Currency: Not specified

* Certification Instrument: Not specified

* Contract Duration: Not specified

* Deal Date: December 18, 2024

Project Milestones:

* Projected Commissioning: 2026

Market and Impact Analysis:

The Rocky Forge Wind project represents a significant advancement in Virginia's renewable energy landscape as the state's first onshore wind farm. By supplying clean energy to Google's data centers, it supports the company's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. The project is expected to create up to 250 jobs during construction and generate approximately $30 million in state and local tax revenue over its operational lifetime, contributing to local economic development.

Sources:

* Data Center Dynamics: Google signs onshore wind PPA with Apex in Virginia

* Apex Clean Energy: Apex Appoints Ken Young to Chief Executive Officer

* Rocky Forge Wind

* WSLS: Google set to buy electricity from Botetourt County wind farm

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