Renewables

Clean energy link between AES, Google expanded to include digital transformation

Power generator and energy storage firm AES Corp. is expanding its alliance with Google to further develop renewable energy and digital transformation of the grid.

AES announced it will collaborate with Google’s Cloud technology on energy management and opportunities to sponsor clean energy projects in the U.S. and Latin America. Those projects will be targeted to help Google meet its zero carbon energy objectives.

The deal will include teaming AES partner Uplight with Google Cloud on delivering energy customer solutions through advanced cloud computing, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

“AES has been working with its customers to accelerate the transformation of the electric sector through energy storage, renewables and energy efficiency,” said Andrés Gluski, AES President and CEO. “We’re proud to have been selected by Google to form this strategic alliance. By combining the capabilities, footprint and experience of both companies, we will be able to provide better and more efficient energy solutions.”

The new deal with Google also builds on a recent agreement to provide long-term renewable power to Google’s data center in Chile. Last month, Google signed up AES Gener to supply more than 400 GWh annual in wind and solar power, Google’s first-ever hybrid renewable agreement.

“Cloud technology is an enabler for forward-leaning organizations seeking to put customers at the center of their business strategies,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. “Together, AES and Google Cloud will leverage the cloud, AI/ML and data analytics to help transform the energy industry’s infrastructure, while driving wider adoption of renewable energy around the world.”

This summer, AES announced the merger of Simple Energy, the digital customer engagement firm which it had made significant investment in, with Tendril to create Uplight. The merged firm, focused on customer-facing solutions for electric and gas utilities, also received a $53 million contribution from AES.

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