Google has announced its inaugural offshore wind agreement in the Asia Pacific region, aimed at powering its data centers and offices in Taiwan. The deal, made with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), will see energy supplied from the Fengmiao 1 Wind Farm, expected to become operational by 2027. This agreement marks a significant step in Google’s commitment to renewable energy in Taiwan.
This wind agreement complements Google’s growing renewable energy portfolio in Taiwan, which recently expanded to include geothermal energy generation. On April 15, Google announced Taiwan’s first corporate geothermal deal, adding 10 megawatts of carbon-free power to its energy mix. Additionally, the company has previously signed a solar purchase agreement to meet its energy needs in Taiwan, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability.
Google’s senior associate of energy infrastructure for the Asia Pacific, Xiao Yijun, emphasized the importance of this deal, stating, “By integrating offshore wind power with existing solar and geothermal projects, we are taking concrete steps toward our goal of 24/7 carbon-free energy.” This multifaceted approach not only supports Google’s operational goals but also helps Taiwan develop new energy resources to sustain its growth.
Google aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its portfolio by 2030 and plans to operate all its global facilities on 24/7 carbon-free power. Despite this ambition, the company reported a 13% year-over-year increase in emissions from 2022 to 2023, attributed to the rising compute power demands from increased AI adoption and changes in its carbon offset strategy.
As a part of its new emissions strategy, Google is moving away from conventional carbon credits and is focusing on scaling carbon removal solutions. The company has committed over $100 million to various carbon removal initiatives, including restoration of carbon sinks and direct air capture technologies. This shift aligns with research from the Science Based Targets initiative, which highlights the risks associated with traditional carbon accounting methods.
Google’s approach includes leveraging smart energy management technologies, such as its carbon-smart computing platform, which enables the company to optimize energy workloads based on availability of zero-emission sources. Additionally, Google is exploring smarter grid technologies to support the energy demands of its expanding AI capabilities.
At the CERAWeek conference in March, Google was part of a coalition of 14 major energy users that pledged to support a tripling of global nuclear energy capacity, further underscoring its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The partnership with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners not only enhances Google’s renewable energy capabilities but also reinforces its leadership role in the transition to sustainable energy. As the tech giant continues to innovate in energy management and carbon reduction, its efforts in Taiwan reflect a broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and fostering a greener future.
