Google has entered into a long-term agreement with Energix Renewables, a U.S.-based developer of renewable energy projects. This partnership marks a significant step for Google towards achieving its net-zero emissions goals and will facilitate the energy needs of its data centers that support AI applications.
While scaling AI, obstacles such as compute power and access to advanced chips have arisen. Recently, however, energy has become a substantial challenge. As AI chips grow more efficient, their increased connection to data centers necessitates an even larger energy supply. Consequently, hyperscale operators are seeking solutions to infuse clean energy into these facilities.
Through this deal, Energix will initially supply Google with 1.5 gigawatt-peak of solar project development by 2030, with an option to expand. This move aligns with Google’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions for its global data centers, operations, and value chain by 2030. According to Google, the goal includes a 50% reduction in combined Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions compared to 2019, alongside investments in nature- and technology-based carbon removal solutions to address the remaining emissions.
“This type of collaboration is essential as we continue to progress towards our ambition to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) on every grid where we operate every hour of every day,” noted Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s Global Head of Data Energy Center, about the Energix partnership.
Google’s efforts in renewable energy not only bolster its sustainability initiatives but also point towards a broader industry trend. As more companies face energy management challenges in building advanced technologies, the shift towards renewable resources will likely intensify. This transition to cleaner energy sources offers a dual benefit: it meets growing power demands and adheres to environmental sustainability.
