Key Takeaways
- RWE and Google signed a 15-year power purchase agreement for the full output of RWE’s 155 MW Crooked Creek Solar project in Oklahoma.
- It is RWE’s first solar project in Oklahoma, with onsite construction due to start later this year and commercial operation expected in 2028.
- The project will help power Google’s operations in the Southwest Power Pool market.
- Crooked Creek is expected to create up to 250 jobs at peak construction and generate an estimated $24.3 million in local economic activity.
- The company operates roughly 13 GW of power projects across 27 US states.
RWE and Google have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement for the entire output of Crooked Creek Solar, a 155-megawatt project in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. It is RWE’s first solar development in the state.
Inside the RWE and Google Agreement
RWE plans to begin onsite construction later this year, with commercial operation expected in 2028. Once running, Crooked Creek will supply electricity to help power Google’s operations in the Southwest Power Pool market while adding locally sourced generation to the Oklahoma grid.
Local Investment From the Solar Project
During construction, the project is expected to generate an estimated $24.3 million in local economic activity and $1.4 million in state and local tax revenue, while employing up to 250 workers at peak. Over its operating life, RWE estimates about $25 million for county programs, local emergency medical services, the Broken Bow School District and regional technology education centers.
Leadership on the RWE Deal
“This agreement with Google marks an important milestone for RWE Americas and reflects the growing demand for affordable, reliable, domestically produced energy,” said Ingmar Ritzenhofen, Chief Commercial Officer, RWE Americas. “Crooked Creek Solar demonstrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate new energy development while creating jobs, generating local tax revenue and strengthening communities.”
“Supporting a strong, stable, affordable grid is a top priority as we expand our infrastructure,” said Will Conkling, Director of Energy and Power, Google. “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.” RWE also operates the 148 MW Boiling Springs wind project in the state and has about 1.6 GW more in development there.
