New York, NY — Google has announced a landmark $3 billion clean energy deal to secure up to 3 gigawatts of U.S. hydropower in what is now the world’s largest corporate agreement for hydroelectric energy. The deal, made with Brookfield Asset Management, marks a major step in Google’s commitment to power its growing network of AI-focused data centers with carbon-free energy.
The agreement includes 20-year power purchase contracts for two large hydropower facilities located in Pennsylvania, with plans for future upgrades and relicensing as part of the partnership.
This massive energy investment comes alongside Google’s broader infrastructure plans, including a $25 billion investment in data centers across Pennsylvania and neighboring states over the next two years, according to a report by Semafor.
Powering the AI Era with Clean Energy
As AI and cloud computing technologies rapidly advance, demand for electricity is surging. Data centers—the backbone of modern artificial intelligence and cloud systems—require immense amounts of energy. After decades of relatively flat electricity use, the U.S. is now experiencing a spike in demand, driven largely by the tech sector.
Google’s latest move positions it as a leader in sustainable infrastructure for this new AI-driven era.
“This collaboration with Brookfield is a significant step forward, ensuring clean energy supply in the PJM region where we operate,” said Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s Head of Data Center Energy. The PJM Interconnection is the largest electric grid operator in the U.S., covering much of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
A New Standard for Corporate Energy Deals
The deal with Brookfield is not just large—it’s unprecedented. With up to 3 gigawatts of hydropower capacity secured, it represents the biggest single corporate clean power agreement focused on hydroelectric energy to date.
Brookfield Renewable Partners, a division of Brookfield Asset Management, owns and operates the hydropower facilities involved in the agreement. The two Pennsylvania-based plants will be modernized as part of the partnership to ensure long-term, sustainable energy output.
In addition to hydropower, Google has been steadily diversifying its clean energy sources. Over the past year, the company has inked groundbreaking power deals for geothermal and advanced nuclear energy. These moves reflect Google’s long-term ambition: to operate entirely on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030.
AI Infrastructure Expansion in Full Swing
The announcement comes as tech companies race to build the infrastructure necessary to stay ahead in the global AI competition. At an AI and energy summit in Pittsburgh, where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to speak, a total of $70 billion in AI and clean energy investments are expected to be unveiled.
Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Google parent company Alphabet, will speak at the event to highlight the significance of Google’s investments in sustainable AI infrastructure.
Alongside these energy deals, Google is also working closely with PJM Interconnection to integrate AI technologies that can streamline how new clean energy sources are connected to the grid—a process that has historically been slow and bureaucratic.
Long-Term Vision for Sustainable AI Growth
Google’s hydropower deal is not just about today’s data demands. It’s part of a long-term strategy to ensure that future growth in AI and cloud computing is supported by reliable, clean, and scalable power sources.
Hydropower is especially attractive for its consistency, unlike solar or wind energy which depend on weather conditions. The Pennsylvania facilities involved in the agreement will play a vital role in helping Google reduce emissions while expanding its digital footprint.
Key Highlights
- $3 Billion Clean Energy Deal: Google partners with Brookfield to secure 3 GW of U.S. hydropower.
- Largest Hydro Deal Ever: Marks the biggest corporate hydropower agreement in the world.
- $25 Billion in Data Centers: Google also plans major infrastructure investments across Pennsylvania and nearby states.
- PJM Region Focus: Clean energy will power Google’s facilities across the Eastern U.S.
- Part of 24/7 Clean Energy Goal: Supports Google’s target of operating entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030.
Why It Matters
This deal is a major step toward making large-scale AI and cloud computing development more sustainable. As the AI revolution pushes data center energy demands sky-high, partnerships like this show how Big Tech can align innovation with environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
Google’s historic hydropower agreement with Brookfield is a powerful example of how companies can lead in both innovation and sustainability. With AI’s rise driving energy demand to new heights, clean energy solutions will be essential—and Google is setting the pace.
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