A Historic Step Toward Carbon-Free Computing
In a landmark move for the renewable energy sector, Google has signed a $3 billion agreement to procure hydropower in the United States. The tech giant is partnering with data center infrastructure firm Talen Energy to access 1.2 gigawatts of carbon-free electricity from hydropower, aimed at powering its data centers in a sustainable way. The deal is being hailed as the largest commercial clean energy transaction of its kind in U.S. history.
Strategic Deal with Talen’s Susquehanna Facility
The energy will be sourced from Talen’s nuclear-powered Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in Pennsylvania, with part of the output diverted to a nearby data center campus jointly operated by Google and Talen subsidiary Cumulus Data. The collaboration highlights a strategic shift by Google to not only purchase clean energy credits, but to directly power its operations with consistent, around-the-clock zero-carbon electricity.
Google’s 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Goal
This major investment underlines Google's commitment to running its operations on 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) by 2030. Unlike solar and wind, hydropower and nuclear sources offer a stable, uninterrupted supply of clean energy — crucial for data centers that operate nonstop and are energy-intensive. The hydropower initiative is designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and stabilize Google's energy demands across its digital infrastructure.
Energy Transition Milestone for Big Tech
Experts say the scale and structure of this agreement could set a precedent for other technology giants to follow suit. With rising global scrutiny on tech industry emissions and mounting pressure from ESG investors, this partnership showcases how tech firms can drive meaningful change in the energy transition by working closely with utilities and infrastructure providers.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The deal is also expected to boost local economic development in Pennsylvania, enhance grid stability, and advance clean energy innovation. Talen Energy has noted that the project will create new high-paying jobs and ensure better integration of carbon-free electricity into the regional grid, contributing both to state and national decarbonization goals.