Google, EDPR Partner on 500 MW Distributed Solar Development in USA

Global IT conglomerate Google and EDPR North America Distributed Generation LLC have collaborated to support more than 80 distributed solar PV projects totalling 500 MW in the USA. The deal aligns with an environmental justice program benefiting over 25,000 families in low-to-moderate income communities from New Jersey to Ohio.

EDPR said that the initial projects will be built in Ohio, where Google operates a data center campus in New Albany and Google Cloud region in Columbus.

EDPR held that the unparalleled transaction with Google marks the largest corporate sponsorship of distributed solar development in the United States according to some reports.

The initiative, named the Clean Energy Financial Benefit Sharing Program, will be funded, in part, through Google’s purchase of a novel renewable energy credit (REC) called the ImpactREC.

The ImpactREC is generated in and eligible for the applicable compliance market; however, its minting carries additional covenants certifying direct community investment and direct LMI benefit. The ImpactREC program synthetically provides similar economic benefits of community solar in jurisdictions currently lacking supportive legislation.

“Partnering with EDPR NA DG, we aim to reduce energy burden in the communities where we operate, while progressing toward our 24/7 carbon-free energy goal,” said Sana Ouji, Energy Lead, Google. “We are grateful to EDPR for their partnership, collaboration and steady focus on our shared mission, and excited to have the opportunity to contribute to our data center communities by extending the benefits of our clean energy investments.”

Gustavo Monteiro, EDPR NA DG Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are appreciative to Google for anchoring the ImpactREC and are looking forward to increasing participation throughout the compliance procurement community as our industry expands this product.”

The firm mentioned that in addition to the ImpactREC purchase, the program includes the creation of a community impact fund valued at $12 million. The fund focuses on initiatives reducing energy poverty in the communities where the projects are built. Google and EDPR NA DG are committed to localized social and economic justice as part of the transition to a sustainable future.