Brookfield Asset Management and its clean energy platform, Brookfield Renewable, have announced the launch of a new Hydro Framework Agreement (HFA) with Google. This agreement is set to deliver up to 3,000 MW of carbon-free hydroelectric capacity to power Google’s operations across the United States. This collaboration marks the largest-ever corporate clean power deal for hydroelectricity.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Google will gain the ability to procure electricity from up to 3 GW of hydroelectric assets. These assets will be relicensed, overhauled, or upgraded to extend their useful life and continue contributing to the grid. Initially, the focus will be on the mid-Atlantic (PJM) and mid-continent (MISO) electricity markets, with potential expansion into other regions of the U.S.
Google has recently disclosed that it managed to reduce carbon emissions from its data centres by 12% in 2024, despite a 27% increase in electricity demand, attributing this success to the integration of clean energy sources. Google’s environmental goals include reaching net zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2030. Additionally, the company aims to achieve its 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) ambition by 2030, ensuring that its entire business runs on carbon-free energy by matching electricity demand with CFE supply every hour, every day, in every region where it operates.
Amanda Peterson Corio, Head of Data Center Energy at Google, commented, “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 also announced that the first contracts under the new HFA are 20-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for two hydroelectric facilities being relicensed by Brookfield in Pennsylvania. These contracts represent more than $3 billion of power and 670 MW of capacity.
Connor Teskey, President of Brookfield Asset Management, stated, “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 digitalisation and artificial intelligence.”
