Google signs Hydro Framework Agreement with Brookfield Renewable US for up to 3GW of hydropower

Google signed a first-of-its-kind Hydro Framework Agreement (HFA) with Brookfield Renewable US in July 2025, committing to offtake up to 3GW of hydropower across the US. The initial contracts under this agreement involve the 670MW Holtwood and Safe Harbor hydroelectric facilities in Pennsylvania, delivered via a virtual power purchase agreement (vPPA) where Google will purchase environmental attribute credits (EAC). The deal reflects Google's strategic shift toward 24/7 renewable energy matching, leveraging hydropower's baseload capabilities to complement its existing wind and solar portfolio. Brookfield Renewable US, the largest private owner of hydro licenses in the US with 6GW of assets, secured this rare opportunity as long-term utility contracts expired, enabling direct offtake agreements for the first time in decades. The 15-25 year vPPAs provide Brookfield with long-term cash flow certainty to fund relicensing and maintenance, extending the operational life of its aging hydro fleet. This transaction marks one of the largest hydropower deals in data center history, addressing Google's need for reliable, non-intermittent power to match its 24/7 electricity consumption.

Counterparts (2)

Offtaker

Google

company · 14 deals

Google is active as both an offtaker and buyer, securing 7 verified deals, including nearly 1.2 GW of carbon-free energy via PPAs with Clearway. The company's clean energy investments span solar in Malaysia, offshore wind in Germany, and battery storage in the USA, with a strategic partnership in fusion energy. Google also partners in data center development, indicating a focus on powering its infrastructure with clean energy sources.

Developer

Brookfield Renewable US

company · 1 deals

North American renewable energy developer and operator specializing in hydro, wind, solar, and storage assets across Canada and the United States, delivering clean power through long-term partnerships.