Google, energyRe ink 600MW REC deal to support data centres

EnergyRe is working on eight utility-scale PV projects ranging from 60MW to 75MW in capacity in South Carolina, while Google will buy renewable energy certificates (RECs) from a 600MW solar and energy storage portfolio in the state. The projects are being developed by energyRe, a New York-based renewables developer, and represent the second collaboration between the companies. The specific projects under contract and development timeline have not been disclosed. Google aims to use the RECs to power its data centers in South Carolina and support the state’s economic growth. RECs involve buying credits equivalent to renewable energy capacity. Tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon are driving the growth of US data center demand, with Google being the third-largest corporate buyer of solar PV capacity in the country. They are expanding their data center capacity while working towards decarbonization goals. Google has recently signed multiple large financing and energy purchase deals, including a 724MW PPA in Oklahoma and an 800MW PV project in Illinois.

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