RWE and Google lock in a 15-year power purchase agreement tied to a 155 MW solar development in Oklahoma
2026 has shown that companies increase their likelihood of successfully executing projects if they collaborate rather than pursuing a project individually. Through partnerships, companies are able to share the financial risks and overall responsibilities associated with the completion of a project. Importantly, when companies decide to partner, they must complement each other effectively and assist one another in completing the project as planned. If a joint project goes as planned, the companies involved will be more willing to prolong their partnership and pursue many more initiatives in the future. Recently, RWE and Google locked in a 15-year power purchase agreement tied to a 155 MW solar development in Oklahoma.
An unexpected partnership: RWE and Google decide to collaborate
RWE AG is a leading global energy company that is headquartered in Essen, Germany. It was founded in April 1898. Ever since the company was established, it has turned from a traditional fossil fuel utility into a major international powerhouse that is focused on renewables, operating across offshore and onshore wind, solar, hydro, hydrogen, and flexible gas-fired backup generation.
Companies that are capable of executing energy projects centered around a variety of energy sources are likely to generate more revenue from being selected to spearhead the projects. RWE AG develops, builds, and operates large-scale marine wind farms globally. It also operates extensive onshore wind and photovoltaic solar parks alongside utility-scale battery storage facilities.
Google, on the other hand, is an American multinational technology company specializing in internet services, search technology, and online advertising. The company was founded in 1998 by Stanford University graduate students Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
An overview of RWE’s contribution to the United States energy landscape
RWE operates a diverse generation portfolio in the United States with roughly 13 GW of installed capacity. Its portfolio consists of solar, wind, and battery storage assets across 27 states, spanning the East and West Coasts. By 2031, the company aims to invest a net €17 billion in the U.S., representing almost half of its globally planned investment volume of €35 billion.
Through the investments, the company aims to add 9GW of new generation capacity, increasing its total installed capacity in the U.S. to 22 GW. According to a press release from RWE, the company, along with Google, announced a new power supply contract for RWE’s first solar project in Oklahoma.
The agreement represents the rapid rate at which solar energy is growing during the clean energy transition. The two companies signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the total output from the 155-megawatt (MWac) Crooked Creek Solar project in McCurtain County.
Delving deeper into the specific details of the RWE and Google 15-year agreement
For the companies to commit to a long-term agreement shows how much trust they have in each other that the relationship will be healthy. RWE is aiming to start on-site construction at Crooked Creek Solar later this year, and the project is expected to enter commercial operation in 2028.
Once operational, Crooked Creek will deliver electricity to assist in powering Google’s operations in the Southwest Power Pool market (SPP) while providing long-term economic benefits to McCurtain County and other communities.
Looking ahead: Are the RWE and Google energy partnerships set to be successful?
The companies are looking forward to the future and the success they can achieve together. Ingmar Ritzenhofen, Chief Commercial Officer of RWE Americas, stated the following:
“This agreement with Google marks an important milestone for RWE Americas and reflects the growing demand for affordable, reliable, domestically produced energy. Crooked Creek Solar demonstrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate new energy development while creating jobs, generating local tax revenue and strengthening communities.”
Crooked Creek Solar increases RWE’s dedication to safely deliver reliable and affordable power and support the local communities where it establishes and operates projects. In the construction phase, Crooked Creek is anticipated to generate roughly $24.3 million in local economic activity and a further $1.4 million in state and local tax revenue for McCurtain County.
Prince is a versatile writer focused on energy, automotive, environmental, and general news topics. He makes complex technical and policy issues clear, engaging, and accessible for a broad audience.
