MidAmerican Energy will fully supply the first phase of Google’s data facilities in Council Bluffs with 100 percent renewable wind energy — bundled with, and tracked by, renewable energy certificates — which will allow additional phases of Google operations to be supplied with wind-sourced energy as the company grows in Iowa. Google has been working with MidAmerican Energy since the 2007 construction of its Iowa data center in order to procure additional renewable resources. Google’s $600 million Iowa data center will receive up to 407 MW of wind energy from several of MidAmerican Energy’s Wind VIII Program projects — an initiative under which MidAmerican Energy will bring 1,050 MW of new Iowa wind power online by the end of 2015. When MidAmerican Energy filed for approval for Wind VIII, the company saw itself serving customers like Google and others settling or expanding in Iowa — and with good reason. “Iowa is home to five major wind generation manufacturers who have recently decided to locate or expand here because of our quality workforce,” said former Iowa Governor Chet Culver. “Dozens of existing Iowa companies now supply the industry. Together, we’re building the ‘Silicon Valley of the Midwest’ by developing the next generation of renewable energy and technology — and it starts here in Iowa, with wind.” In 2013, wind provided 27.4 percent of Iowa’s electricity, leading the nation in the percentage of electricity generated by wind energy and powering nearly 1.5 million average Iowa homes, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
Further, AWEA reports that wind power in Iowa is capable of meeting more than 44 times the state’s current electricity needs. This current agreement is Google’s seventh and largest renewable energy purchase so far, bringing the total amount of renewable energy Google has contracted to more than 1 GW. “Google’s significant and growing presence within our service area, along with its long and demonstrated commitment to renewable energy, have been important factors in MidAmerican Energy’s pursuit of renewable power,” said Bill Fehrman, president and CEO, MidAmerican Energy. “In addition to increasing Google’s access to renewable energy, this agreement also reduces energy costs for our customers.”
Source: Fierceenergy.com
