- Google to purchase total output from RWE’s 155 MW Crooked Creek Solar project under a 15-year agreement
- Project expected to create up to 250 jobs at peak construction and deliver long-term economic benefits to McCurtain County over its operating lifetime
- Crooked Creek Solar will support Google’s operations in SPP, while generating affordable locally sourced electricity for Oklahoma
RWE and Google announced a new power supply contract for RWE’s first solar project in Oklahoma. 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.
RWE plans to begin onsite 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 help power Google’s operations in the Southwest Power Pool market (SPP), while providing long-term economic benefits to McCurtain County and surrounding communities.
Ingmar Ritzenhofen, Chief Commercial Officer, RWE Americas: '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.'
Will Conkling, Director of Energy and Power, Google: '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.'
Crooked Creek Solar expands RWE’s commitment to safely deliver reliable and affordable power and support the local communities where it builds and operates projects. During construction, Crooked Creek is expected to generate an estimated $24.3 million in local economic activity and another $1.4 million in state and local tax revenue for McCurtain County while employing up to 250 workers onsite at peak construction. Once operational, the project will continue to generate substantial revenue for McCurtain County, totaling an estimated $25 million for county programs, local emergency medical services, the Broken Bow School District and regional technology education centers.
RWE is deeply committed to Oklahoma communities and has provided more than $100,000 in donations, sponsorships and other community-driven partnerships to date. The company looks to further deepen its roots in the state through its support for local organizations in McCurtain County.
RWE is investing in powering Oklahoma’s growing energy needs and expanding its presence in the Sooner State. In addition to the 155 MW Crooked Creek Solar project under construction, RWE owns and operates the 148 MW Boiling Springs wind project in Woodward County and has another six power projects totaling 1.6 GW in development across the state.
RWE in the United States
RWE already operates a diverse generation portfolio in the United States with approximately 13 GW of installed capacity. The portfolio includes solar, onshore wind, and battery storage assets across 27 states, spanning the East and West Coasts. By 2031, the company plans to invest a net €17 billion in the U.S., representing nearly half of its globally planned investment volume of €35 billion. Through these investments, RWE intends to add 9 GW of new generation capacity, increasing its total installed capacity in the U.S. to 22 GW. In addition to further expanding its wind, solar, and battery storage portfolio, RWE also plans to develop flexible generation capacity. A particular focus will be on flexible gas-fired peaking power plants, which can help ensure reliable power supply and support grid stability.
Source: RWE
