Brookfield Asset Management and its clean energy platform Brookfield Renewable announced today the launch of a new Hydro Framework Agreement (HFA) with Google, for the delivery of up to 3,000 MW of carbon-free hydroelectric capacity to power Google’s operations across the U.S.
The deal marks the largest-ever corporate clean power deal for hydroelectricity.
Under the new agreement, Google will have the ability to procure electricity from up to 3 GW of hydroelectric assets that will be relicensed, overhauled, or upgraded to extend the asset’s useful life and continue adding power to the grid. The deal will initially focus in the mid-Atlantic (PJM) and mid-continent (MISO) electricity markets, with the flexibility to expand into other U.S. regions.
Google recently revealed that it managed to reduce carbon emissions from its data centers by 12% in 2024, despite a 27% increase in electricity demand, with the addition of clean energy sources as the key driver of the decoupling of emissions from electricity usage. Google’s environmental targets include 2030 goals to reach net zero emissions across its operations and value chain, and its 24/7 CFE ambition, aiming to run its entire business on carbon-free energy (CFE) by 2030, matching electricity demand with CFE supply every hour of every day, in every region where the company operates.
Amanda Peterson Corio, Head of Data Center Energy from Google said:
“At Google, we’re dedicated to responsibly growing the digital infrastructure that powers daily life for people, communities and businesses. This collaboration with Brookfield is a significant step forward, ensuring clean energy supply in the PJM region where we operate. Hydropower is a proven, low-cost technology, offering dependable, homegrown, carbon-free electricity that creates jobs and builds a stronger grid for all.”
The companies announced that the first contracts to be executed under the new HFA are 20-year PPAs for two hydroelectric facilities in being relicensed by Brookfield in Pennsylvania, representing more than $3 billion of power and 670 MW of capacity.
Connor Teskey, President of Brookfield Asset Management, said:
“Our partnership with Google demonstrates the critical role that hydropower can play in helping hyperscale customers meet their energy goals. Delivering power at scale and from a range of sources will be required to meet the growing electricity demands from digitalization and artificial intelligence.”
