[twohlix_]

They are guaranteeing for that producer their power is purchased at x$/whatever for 20 years. Massively lowers the risk profile for the wind farm, and lets them focus on potentially expanding. Google is basically acting as a subsidizer of renewable energy here. So while yes they rely on the grid, they're a market force for increasing the percent of the power produced on the grid to be renewable.

Every MW produced by the renewable is a MW not needed to be produced by natural gas/coal

[CydeWeys]

> Every MW produced by the renewable is a MW not needed to be produced by natural gas/coal

This should be expressed in units of energy, not power, i.e. MWh.

[strictnein]

I guess that makes more sense. It's more an act of corporate goodwill on their part, helping to build a certain level of renewable energy.

[tedsanders]

Partly. But it's also an act of risk hedging. By locking in prices for 20 years, the buyer is insulated from rising prices and the generator is insulated from falling prices.