Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE), a prominent American renewable energy company, has announced a major milestone with the launch of over 700 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy projects in Oklahoma, supported by long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Google.
The projects, strategically located to support Google’s data center operations, aim to enhance the reliability of Oklahoma’s electric grid by integrating renewable energy sources, while bolstering the state’s energy diversity and supporting national energy independence. The collaboration highlights LRE’s commitment to developing sustainable energy solutions for both its partners and the communities hosting the projects.
Construction has commenced on the 372 MW Mayes County Solar Portfolio, located near Google’s data center in Pryor, Oklahoma. Alongside this, the Twelvemile Solar Project 1 & 2 (152.5 MW) and Twelvemile 3 Solar Project (200 MW), located in Southern Oklahoma, will collectively contribute 724 MW of solar capacity. LRE acquired the Mayes County Solar Portfolio earlier this year from Red River Renewable Energy, LLC, a joint venture between SunChase Power, LLC and Eolian, L.P. The energy produced by the projects will be transmitted to the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) to support Google’s operations.
The Mayes County Solar Portfolio includes three solar projects: Salt Branch Solar (145 MW), Huckleberry Solar (125 MW), and Mayes Solar (102 MW). Together, these projects will create over 300 construction jobs and contribute an estimated $76 million in tax revenue to Mayes County, supporting local initiatives and schools. In addition, over $60,000 has been donated to the local Red Cross and other essential community services.
These power purchase agreements were facilitated by LEAP™ (LevelTen Energy’s Accelerated Process), co-developed by Google and LevelTen Energy. This partnership is a key part of Google’s ambitious 2030 goal to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy for all its facilities.
Eran Mahrer, Chief Commercial Officer at LRE, expressed pride in expanding the company’s presence in Oklahoma, emphasizing the benefits to both Google’s operations and the local grid’s reliability. “These projects will not only strengthen our collaboration with Google but also provide direct benefits to the local community by creating jobs and promoting clean energy development,” said Mahrer.
The Mayes County Solar Portfolio is expected to power over 865,000 homes annually and prevent more than 3.7 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over the duration of the PPA. Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s Global Head of Data Center Energy, reiterated the company’s commitment to achieving carbon-free energy for its operations, highlighting the significance of these projects in meeting energy demand sustainably.
John Wiscaver, Executive Vice President at GRDA, noted that the collaboration with Google and LRE will help meet Oklahoma’s growing electricity needs while fostering continued economic growth in the region.
The projects are a result of careful planning, with LRE, SunChase, and Eolian working closely together to develop clean energy solutions that contribute to regional grid resilience. These solar projects are poised to address the rising demand for reliable and sustainable electricity across the United States.
