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Google and EDP Renewables sign framework to develop 650MWp of distributed solar energy in the USA

Simon Tyrus CaineApril 30, 2023

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Google and EDP Renewables sign framework to develop 650MWp of distributed solar energy in the USA FOLLOW US ON OUR CHANNELS

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Google and EDP Renewables sign framework to develop 650MWp of distributed solar energy in the USA

Technology giants, Google signed a Framework Agreement with EDP Renewables to develop 650MWp of distributed solar energy in the United States. This project will be implemented to a total of six states including Ohio, where the project will be kickstarted.

EDP Renewables is a global leader in the renewable energy sector and the fourth largest producer worldwide. is currently present in 28 international markets: Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

The 650 MWp (500 MWac) of distributed solar energy will automatically make this project the largest US corporate sponsorship of distributed PV. In other words this is the largest corporate sponsorship for distributed generation signed between two companies in the United States.

Witnessing partnerships of this caliber, the latest U.S. Clean Energy Market Outlook from BloombergNEF (BNEF) predicted that the U.S. is poised to deliver 600 GW of new solar, wind, and energy storage capacity by 2030.

This project is expected to advance environmental justice through resourceful action plans that will benefits nearly 25,000 low-to-moderate income families.

EDP Renewables will be responsible for implementing the first phase of the project that will include development, construction, and operation of the solar PV parks. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. However, Google will partially fund the first phase of the project through the acquisition of Impact Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), an instrument that certifies that a given buyer has the rights to the environmental and social benefits of the renewable electricity produced by a renewable project.

This partnership between Google and EDP Renewables is a huge step in the promotion of energy democracy, democratize access to cleaner energy, making its benefits accessible to underserved communities. It is a unique model that is solely focused on providing support to low-moderate income families.

“What we heard through interviews with local community leaders and Environmental Justice advocates was that the disproportionate impact of high energy burden remains a primary barrier to an equitable energy transition. Partnering with EDPR NA DG, we aim to reduce energy burden in the communities where we operate, while progressing toward our 24/7 carbon-free energy goal,” said Sana Ouji, Energy Lead, Google. “We are grateful to EDPR for their partnership, collaboration and steady focus on our shared mission, and excited to have the opportunity to contribute to our data center communities by extending the benefits of our clean energy investments.”
Sana Ouji, Energy Lead, Google

“We are pleased to sign this framework agreement that will allow us to develop a substantial number of renewable energy projects, while taking care of underserved communities. The much-needed transition to cleaner ways of producing and using energy must leave no one behind, and this partnership with Google allows us to do just that, by making electricity cleaner and more affordable to more families”, states Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, EDP’s CEO.
Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, EDP’s CEO

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