Google and JERA to Supply Solar Power to Data Centers via Virtual PPA
September 26, 2025
JERA Cross, a wholly owned subsidiary of JERA based in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, announced on September 24 that it will provide the environmental value derived from solar power generation to Google’s data centers through a virtual power purchase agreement (PPA).
Diagram Explanation
This diagram shows how the virtual power purchase agreement (PPA) works between the renewable power generator (West Group), JERA Cross, and Google.
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West Group (Renewable Generator): Generates solar power and produces “environmental value” (e.g., renewable energy certificates).
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JERA Cross (Seller/Aggregator):
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Purchases both electricity and environmental value from West Group through a PPA.
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Sells the electricity to the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX).
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Transfers the environmental value (certificate) directly to Google.
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Google (Buyer): Receives the environmental value to match with its electricity consumption at the Inzai data center, achieving partial progress toward its carbon-free energy goals.
This is a virtual PPA, so Google does not receive the physical electricity directly—only the environmental attributes to offset its carbon footprint.
JERA Cross will act as an aggregator, purchasing additional electricity and environmental value generated from solar power facilities with a total grid-connected capacity of 15 MW developed by West Holdings. The electricity generated will be sold on the Japan Electric Power Exchange (JEPX), while the environmental value will be supplied to Google’s data center in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, in March 2027.
Google aims to shift its corporate power procurement to a system that matches supply and demand on an hourly basis, known as “24/7 Carbon-Free Energy (24/7 CFE),” by 2030. However, this virtual PPA does not yet support 24/7 CFE.
JERA Cross is working to build roadmaps and strategies that transform decarbonization from a cost into a value driver, develop and supply renewable energy, and provide hourly matching technologies that enable 24/7 CFE.
