AI Boom Drives Solar Power Demand: RWE Signs 155 MW Solar PPA with Google in Oklahoma

RWE and Google have entered into a landmark 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) covering the full capacity of RWE’s 155-megawatt (MWac) Crooked Creek Solar facility in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Markedly representing RWE’s inaugural solar development in the state, the project will supply clean electricity directly to Google’s operations within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) regional market.

Construction at Crooked Creek Solar is scheduled to commence later this year, with full commercial operation targeted for 2028.

Economic Impact and Local Community Investment

Beyond supplying renewable generation to the regional grid, the Crooked Creek facility will deliver substantial long-term financial benefits to McCurtain County and its surrounding municipalities:

• Construction Phase Stimulus: The development phase is projected to generate $24.3 million in local economic activity, $1.4 million in state and local tax revenue, and support up to 250 peak construction jobs.

• Long-Term Revenue Generation: Over its operational lifecycle, the project will contribute an estimated $25 million toward county services, regional emergency medical operations, the Broken Bow School District, and local technical education centers.

• Corporate Philanthropy: RWE has already directed over $100,000 in community sponsorships and local grants across Oklahoma, with further outreach planned for McCurtain County.

Leadership Perspectives

“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. We’re proud to work with Google to help power its operations, while supporting Oklahoma’s continued economic growth with affordable, American-made energy.”

— Ingmar Ritzenhofen, Chief Commercial Officer, RWE Americas

“Supporting a strong, stable, affordable grid is a top priority as we expand our infrastructure. Our agreement with RWE adds critical new generation to the local system, boosting the amount of affordable and reliable power supply for Oklahoma and the region.”

— Will Conkling, Director of Energy and Power, Google

RWE’s U.S. Growth Strategy and Portfolio Expansion

The 155 MW Crooked Creek Solar project reinforces RWE’s expanding footprint in Oklahoma, where it already operates the 148 MW Boiling Springs wind farm in Woodward County and maintains an active pipeline of six additional power projects totaling 1.6 GW.

Across the United States, RWE currently operates approximately 13 GW of installed onshore wind, solar, and battery storage assets spanning 27 states. Under its long-term growth roadmap, the company plans to invest a net €17 billion in the U.S. market by 2031—accounting for roughly half of its €35 billion global capital expenditure plan—to expand its U.S. capacity to 22 GW. Strategy targets also include developing flexible gas-fired peaking assets to reinforce grid stability alongside variable renewable output.

Corporate Power Procurement and Grid Intelligence at Go Digital Energy

The execution of long-term corporate PPAs to power digital infrastructure, AI-driven load forecasting, and real-time data analytics for grid balancing across regional transmission markets like SPP will be central topics of discussion at next year’s Go Digital Energy Summit.