Google has just sealed a landmark agreement to obtain renewable electricity from offshore wind projects off the Netherlands coast, marking the largest deal of its kind to date. The multinational tech powerhouse is set to purchase 478 megawatts from the Crosswind and Ecowende consortiums, the joint venture formed by energy giant Shell and energy company Eneco. This clean power will be generated by two new offshore wind farms, Hollandse Kust Noord Site V and Hollandse Kust West Site VI. Hollandse Kust Noord Site V began delivering electricity in 2023, while Hollandse Kust West Site VI is slated to start operations in 2026. The electricity will support two Google data centers located in the Netherlands, ensuring that the company’s operations run on sustainable energy sourced from nearby offshore installations.
In addition to the Dutch projects, Google disclosed smaller renewable energy agreements in Italy, Poland, and Belgium. Specific financial terms of these agreements were not made public. The Netherlands deal stands out as a cornerstone of Google’s broader strategy to power its data centers exclusively with carbon-free energy by 2030, aligning with its long-term commitment to reduce its environmental footprint at scale across global operations.
Alongside these developments, the story includes notes on technical progress in energy science. For instance, researchers have explored artificial leaves that convert rain and wind energy into usable electricity, highlighting ongoing efforts to diversify renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency across sectors. This broader context underscores how large technology companies are integrating advanced energy technologies to meet rising demand for sustainable computing capacity while supporting regional energy systems and reducing emissions.