Virginia’s Water Will Generate Limitless Clean Energy For Google Through 2045

Nearly a dozen major tech companies have set up massive data centers across Virginia, but Google stands out for its aggressive push toward water-based clean energy. While others talk about going green, Google’s actually making waves—literally—by partnering with Apex Clean Energy on a dedicated 189 MW renewable project. Their goal? Net-zero emissions and 100% renewable energy by 2025. Pretty ambitious compared to competitors targeting 2030 or later.

In Virginia’s tech landscape, Google isn’t just talking green—they’re diving headfirst into renewable energy while competitors wade in the shallows.

Virginia’s got a legal mandate requiring 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. No exceptions. Dominion Energy, the state’s biggest utility, seems to be dragging its feet a bit. They’re projecting only about 80% carbon-free infrastructure in their latest plans. Yeah, that math doesn’t add up.

The offshore wind situation is where things get interesting. Dominion’s working on a massive $10.9 billion project sitting 27 miles off Virginia Beach. It’s not just any project—we’re talking 2.6 gigawatts that could power over 2.5 million homes and businesses, including Google’s energy-hungry server farms. Marine energy technologies like these offshore wind installations represent the next frontier in renewable power development.

Data centers are electricity monsters. They’re pushing demand through the roof across Northern Virginia. Dominion predicts peak data center demand will exceed 12,000 megawatts by 2038, representing a 300% increase from current levels. Dominion thinks they need more natural gas plants to keep up. Google disagrees. They’ve been suspiciously quiet about supporting any new fossil fuel infrastructure.

All this clean energy won’t come cheap. Electric bills are expected to jump about 2.5% annually for the next 15 years. Ouch. But the alternative—missing legally mandated carbon targets—isn’t an option either. The State Corporation Commission can flat-out reject plans that don’t meet the clean energy mandate. Northern Virginia alone handles 70% of global internet traffic through its extensive network of data centers.

Here’s the twist: while Virginia’s offshore wind projects might seem excessive now, they’re probably just the beginning. Between the state’s mandate and tech giants’ insatiable appetite for electricity, water-based renewable energy isn’t just a nice option—it’s becoming the backbone of Virginia’s energy future. Google’s just the first to fully immerse itself.