EnBW and Google sign long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for 100 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind power / The agreement supports the expansion of a clean, reliable and affordable energy supply

The He Dreiht offshore wind farm under construction. (Source: EnBW / Image: Rolf Otzipka)

Karlsruhe. EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW) and Google have agreed in a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) that EnBW will supply Google with 100 megawatts of clean electricity from the He Dreiht offshore wind farm over a period of 15 years.

Google intends to power its global locations with carbon-free energy around the clock by 2030. Specifically, this means that every hour of the company's energy consumption will be offset by the same amount of carbon-free energy from the same grid. By supplying green electricity from its offshore wind portfolio, EnBW is directly supporting Google in achieving its goal of using carbon-free energy 24/7, while simultaneously strengthening its own position as a provider of customized, long-term energy solutions.

Peter Heydecker, EnBW Board Member for Sustainable Generation Infrastructure, emphasizes: 
“This agreement with Google sends a strong signal for the transformation of the energy market. We are proud to support one of the world's leading technology companies on its path to greater sustainability. With this tailored power purchase agreement (PPA), EnBW is making a direct contribution to the decarbonization of industry and the digital sector.” Heydecker adds: “With He Dreiht and the PPA with Google, we are demonstrating that sourcing large quantities of clean energy is already possible today. Together, we are making a significant contribution to innovation and the further development of renewable energies – reliably and around the clock.”

Clean energy for digital infrastructure

Google operates data centers worldwide, used by people and businesses, which form the foundation for the company's AI solutions and digital services. A reliable, high-performance, and clean power supply is essential to ensure the operation of this digital infrastructure and to support the continued growth of data-driven technologies such as artificial intelligence.

“Direct investment in the underlying energy systems is essential to enable the infrastructure required for AI,” said Adam Elman, Director of Sustainability EMEA at Google. “Through the contract with EnBW for new wind power supplies, we are strengthening the supply of clean energy to our German sites and simultaneously driving the transition to a more sustainable electricity supply.”

Contribution to a changing energy landscape

The He Dreiht offshore wind farm, currently under construction in the German North Sea, is one of the largest offshore wind projects in Europe. With an installed capacity of 960 megawatts, it will make a significant contribution to Germany's renewable energy supply. The majority of the electricity generated by He Dreiht is already secured through long-term power purchase agreements. EnBW is in discussions with other potential customers regarding the remaining electricity volumes.

Background: The role of PPAs for industry and the transformation of the energy system

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer industrial and commercial customers long-term price stability and planning security, while simultaneously enabling them to actively contribute to the transformation of the energy system. Particularly for the technology sector, where energy demand is constantly increasing due to digitalization and AI applications, long-term green electricity contracts are an important instrument for achieving ambitious climate targets.

KeyFacts Energy: EnBW Germany country profile