LRE has announced the launch of multiple new solar projects in Oklahoma, strategically positioned to power Google’s data centers and support the company’s leadership in artificial intelligence.
Construction is already underway on the 372-MWac Mayes County Solar Portfolio, located just one mile from Google’s data center in Pryor, Oklahoma. Along with the Twelvemile Solar Project 1 & 2 (152.5 MWac) and Twelvemile 3 Solar Project (200 MWac) in Southern Oklahoma, these developments will bring a total of 724 MWac of solar capacity to the state.
Earlier this year, LRE acquired the Mayes County Solar Portfolio from Red River Renewable Energy, a partnership between SunChase Power and Eolian, L.P. The energy produced by these solar projects will be delivered to the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), which plans to use it to power Google’s data center operations.
The Mayes County Solar Portfolio includes three projects: Salt Branch Solar (145 MWac), Huckleberry Solar (125 MWac), and Mayes Solar (102 MWac). These projects are expected to generate significant local economic benefits, including more than 300 construction jobs and an estimated $76 million in tax revenue for Mayes County over their lifespan. In addition, over $60,000 has been donated to the local Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, and other community organizations to further support local services.
These power purchase agreements (PPAs) were made possible through LEAP™, a program co-developed by Google and LevelTen Energy to streamline the process of sourcing and executing clean energy agreements. The initiative is part of Google’s ambitious goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030.
“We are excited to expand our presence in Oklahoma with these projects, which are perfectly positioned to support Google’s data center operations,” said Eran Mahrer, Chief Commercial Officer at LRE. “Our partnership with Google not only strengthens our collaboration but also improves the reliability of Oklahoma’s electric grid and promotes national energy independence.”
The Mayes County Solar Portfolio represents a major step forward for renewable energy in the region. The portfolio will produce enough power to supply the equivalent of over 865,000 homes per year, while preventing over 3.7 million metric tons of CO2 emissions during the term of the PPA.
Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s Global Head of Data Center Energy, commented, “By partnering with GRDA and LRE, Google is moving closer to its goal of powering its facilities with carbon-free energy 24/7, including in Oklahoma.”
John Wiscaver, Executive Vice President at GRDA, added, “With the growing demand for reliable electricity across the country, Google’s support of these solar projects in Oklahoma is crucial in meeting the state’s energy needs through sustainable solutions. Google is a key partner to GRDA, and we are excited to help them meet future energy demands while also supporting the economic growth of Northeast Oklahoma.”
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