In a major step for sustainable energy, Google has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Shell. This deal will extend the life of the NoordzeeWind offshore wind farm in the Netherlands. The partnership not only extends the life of the country’s first offshore wind project but also helps both companies achieve their goal of a carbon-free energy future.
Google and Shell Join Forces in Renewable Energy
Google and Shell aim to add five years to the NoordzeeWind offshore wind farm’s life. Started in 2007, this facility can power about 40,000 Dutch homes. Now, expanding operations will also meet local energy needs and supply carbon-free power to the grid.
The press release reveals that Google bought 100% of the wind farm’s 108-megawatt capacity. This deal allowed Shell to get permit extensions and invest in important upgrades and prevented an early shutdown of a valuable clean energy source. It’s also Google’s biggest offshore wind energy deal so far.
Frans Everts, CEO of Shell Netherlands, says,
“With NoordzeeWind, Shell has not only shown that offshore wind energy is technically and financially feasible, we have also learned a lot. And we are applying those lessons to our other three wind farms in the Dutch part of the North Sea. There is more to it. “At the end of the wind farm’s lifespan, we will show how we can dismantle and reuse the material as much as possible.”
Unlocking Shell’s NoordzeeWind Facility
Google revealed,
- Shell NoordzeeWind is the oldest and first offshore wind farm to undergo a life extension in the Netherlands.
On a broader scale, extending its life can help the country reach its goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030. This partnership might lead to new energy collaborations and could reap global benefits.
Shell revealed that it became the sole owner of the NoordzeeWind offshore wind farm in March 2021 after buying out its partner, Nuon (now Vattenfall). The wind farm has 36 turbines spread over 27 square kilometers. It sits 10 to 18 kilometers off the coast and is even visible from the beach on clear days.
Before extending operations for nearly five more years, Shell had the wind farm thoroughly checked by DNV, an independent certification company. The review made sure everything is safe and working well.
Here’s a tour of the massive wind farm:
Key points of the PPA include:
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Extended Duration: A five-year extension ensures a steady energy supply from this established source.
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Sustainability Commitment: This deal helps both companies with their sustainability goals. It also cuts down their carbon footprints.
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Market Implications: These partnerships may draw more investments in renewable energy. This could encourage other companies to seek similar deals.
Going forward, Shell will also focus on protecting nature. For example, the company plans to shut down turbines during bird migration to reduce harm to wildlife.
Google’s Wind Energy Deals Boost Clean Power in Netherlands and Italy
- In the Netherlands, Google has supported over 1 gigawatt of clean energy capacity through power purchase agreements
Last year in February, Google announced its biggest offshore wind project in the Netherlands, aiming to power its data centers and offices with over 90% carbon-free energy by 2024.
It signed new agreements with Shell and Eneco to support 478 megawatts from two offshore wind farms, HKN V and HKW VI. These subsidy-free projects were expected to supply around 6% of the country’s electricity and support innovation and ecology.
In Italy, Google signed its first long-term deal with ERG for a 47-megawatt onshore wind project. This move was set to help Google’s Italian offices and cloud regions reach over 90% carbon-free energy by 2025.
- All these efforts support Google’s goal of net-zero emissions in its supply chain by 2030.
Future of Offshore Wind Energy
Google and Shell work together to show how renewable energy can thrive. As the world moves toward carbon-free energy, offshore wind farms will play a crucial role.
- According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the global offshore wind market is growing. Investments are expected to hit about $100 billion a year by 2030.
- The European Wind Energy Association says that offshore wind energy in Europe may reach 450 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.
The alliance between Google and Shell is a significant step for sustainable energy. By extending an offshore wind farm’s life, they lead the way for others. This shows their commitment to cutting carbon emissions and using cleaner energy sources.
