Google has set an ambitious goal of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE). To reach this goal, they plan to scale the use of Time-based Energy Attribute Certificates (T-EACs or Granular Certificates) across their global carbon-free energy portfolio. Google’s challenge lies in retiring and gathering Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) and hourly meter data across their global portfolio into one platform to generate T-EACs. The lack of a standard format or integration mechanism for energy data makes this task tedious and complex. To gather the necessary data, Google has collaborated with Flexidao to fully digitize and automate hourly tracking, incorporating T-EACs across Google’s global carbon-free energy portfolio.
Key takeaways:
- Data was sourced from national data hubs, utility systems, and grid operators.
- Hourly emission factors were collected through Electricity Maps.
- This global partnership demonstrates the viability of T-EACs (GCs) on a global scale to accelerate the energy transition.
- This effort supports the widespread adoption of T-EACs (GCs).
Next steps:
- Simplify Data Access: Continue simplifying access to and aggregation of energy data across Google’s global portfolio.
- Identify Operational Challenges: Address operational challenges in the process of energy data collection.
- Pinpoint Renewable Gaps: Pinpoint hours of electricity consumption not sourced by renewables to enhance sustainability efforts.