Google commits to a sustainable future in Nebraska

Google is dedicated to building a more sustainable future in Nebraska, focusing on clean energy, water stewardship, and climate-conscious cooling. The company has made significant strides in these areas, with several ongoing projects and collaborations in the state.

Expanding Clean Energy Resources

Google has partnered with Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) to pioneer a procurement framework that enables the supply of carbon-free energy (CFE) resources to OPPD. This framework allows Google to execute large-scale clean energy deals and share the cost savings and benefits with OPPD’s customer base, increasing access to clean energy capacity for all Nebraskans.

A key project under this framework is the Pierce County Energy Center, a 420-megawatt solar system and a 680MWh battery energy storage system. This project is expected to come online in 2027 and will support Google’s 24/7 CFE goal and OPPD’s clean energy ambitions. Additionally, Google will share the clean energy capacity attributes with OPPD for the benefit of all energy customers in the region.

“This partnership is a big step forward in our continuing work to add 3,200 megawatts of power by the end of the decade, with most of the energy coming from renewable energy sources.”
-Javier Fernandez, OPPD President and CEO

Promoting Water Security

Google is actively working to support water security in Nebraska through collaborations with local agencies and companies. The company is partnering with N-Drip to replenish 120% of the water it consumes, on average, across its offices and data centers. This initiative will enable farmers in the Platte River Basin to adopt more efficient irrigation practices, conserving groundwater resources and increasing yields.

Google is also supporting Arable, a company that leverages field data to help farmers make data-driven irrigation decisions. By using Arable’s technology, farmers can improve irrigation efficiency, save water, and maintain crop yield and quality.

To further advance water replenishment, Google is funding the North Loup groundwater recharge project alongside the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and North Loup River Public Power and Irrigation District. This project aims to increase groundwater recharge and aquifer storage abilities.

Driving Economic Impact

In 2023, Google’s operations in Nebraska supported over $4.4 billion in economic activity. The company has also partnered with numerous organizations to train thousands of Nebraskans on digital skills through its Grow with Google program.

Google is committed to driving sustainable solutions that benefit both its operations and the communities it serves in Nebraska. By focusing on clean energy, water stewardship, and climate-conscious cooling, Google is making a positive impact on the state’s environment and economy.