ReNew Energy Global Plc, an Indian renewable energy company, announced it will invest about US$9.33 billion (around ₹82,000 crore) in green energy projects in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the largest private investments in renewable energy in the region. The plan aims to expand India’s clean energy capacity while supporting local industries and jobs.

The investment will focus on key areas of renewable energy. This includes solar, wind, energy storage, and green fuel production. India is shifting from just power generation to a full renewable energy value chain. This multi-pronged approach highlights that change.

The Projects Included in the $9.33B Power Play

ReNew Energy’s projects in Andhra Pradesh are diverse. The company will set up a 6 GW solar ingot and wafer manufacturing plant. This facility will produce essential materials for solar panels. By making them locally, India can reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen its domestic solar industry.

In addition, the company will build a 2 GW pumped-hydro storage system. This storage will allow renewable energy to be saved when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing, making the electricity supply more reliable.

A green ammonia facility will also be built, producing around 300,000 tonnes per year. Green ammonia can be used as a cleaner fuel and for industrial purposes, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ReNew plans to develop 5 GW of hybrid renewable projects combining wind, solar, and battery storage. These projects aim to maximize energy output and efficiency. Together, all these efforts cover manufacturing, generation, storage, and newer forms of clean energy.

Benefits and Local Wins for Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has set ambitious renewable energy targets. The state aims to achieve 78.5 GW of solar, 35 GW of wind, and 25 GWh of battery storage. ReNew Energy’s investment will help move the state closer to these goals.

The projects are expected to create over 10,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. Jobs will vary from factory work at the solar plant to construction, operations, and maintenance of storage and hybrid projects. The investment will strengthen local supply chains. This gives businesses chances to provide materials, transport, and other services.

By producing solar wafers and ingots locally, the state can also reduce dependency on imported materials. This supports both energy security and the development of local industries.

Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, ReNew remarked during the announcement:

“ReNew has a long-standing presence in Andhra Pradesh and with this expansion we are bringing a fully integrated clean energy value chain to the state of Andhra Pradesh, from wafer to large-scale renewable projects and storage deployment…We appreciate the leadership and clear policy direction of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, which makes the state a natural partner in accelerating India’s energy transition and sustainable economic growth.”

Backing India’s Renewable Energy Ambitions

• India has a national target of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030.

The world’s third-largest CO2 emitter has the following progress in its renewable power targets.

Investments like ReNew Energy’s are essential to achieving this goal. They provide not just electricity but also infrastructure that supports the country’s shift away from coal and oil.

The company’s plans show that India is moving beyond simply building solar and wind farms. Making solar parts, building storage systems, and producing green fuels are key steps in creating a complete renewable energy ecosystem. This approach also strengthens India’s position in global renewable energy markets.

• SEE MORE: India Achieves 50% Non-Fossil Fuel Power Milestone: Solar Shines Bright

What are the Key Considerations?

ReNew Energy already operates wind and solar plants in Andhra Pradesh, including 717 MW of wind capacity and 60 MW of solar capacity. The new projects build on earlier investments of about ₹22,000 crore (US$2.5 billion) made in May.

The scale of the projects means careful planning is essential. Building factories and large storage systems requires land, permits, skilled workers, and strong infrastructure. Financing will also need to be managed carefully. It is not yet clear how much funding will come from company funds, loans, or government incentives.

Although the announcement is positive, implementing these projects will take years. The company, state authorities, and other stakeholders will need to work closely to ensure timely completion.

Cleaner Energy, Stronger Economy

The investment could bring both environmental and economic benefits for India. Cleaner electricity means lower greenhouse gas emissions. Local manufacturing reduces the need to import materials, which also lowers carbon footprints from transportation.

Economic benefits include job creation, skill development, and opportunities for local businesses. The green ammonia project could support industries that require cleaner fuels. Battery storage and hybrid projects can boost energy reliability. This benefits both households and industries.

ReNew Energy’s Emission Reduction Moves

ReNew Energy has strengthened its sustainability plans as it works toward becoming a net-zero company by 2040. The company aims to cut almost 90% of its total emissions from its 2022 levels, covering all scopes, including its supply chain.

The company is boosting energy efficiency at its sites. It’s also increasing clean power use and swapping out fossil-fuel equipment for electric options. It is also working with suppliers to adopt science-based climate targets and cleaner transport systems.

ReNew has made progress in recent years. In its latest reporting cycle, it reduced 18.2% of its Scope 1 and 2 emissions and helped avoid 18.6 million tonnes of CO₂ through its renewable projects.

The company now gets 76% of its electricity from renewable sources. It has also saved over 540 million liters of water by focusing on conservation. ReNew’s targets are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, reflecting stronger accountability and transparency.

Beyond emissions, ReNew also has broader environmental goals:

• It aims to be water-positive by 2030 — meaning it gives back more clean water than it uses.

• It targets zero waste to landfill in its operations.

• It also aims to make a positive social impact, including having 30% women in its workforce and improving ESG

A Benchmark and Bold Step Toward a Low-Carbon India

If successful, ReNew Energy’s investment could serve as a model for other states in India. Private companies can invest in many areas of renewable energy. This includes manufacturing, generation, and storage. The size of the investment shows trust in India’s clean energy policies. It also highlights the country’s long-term renewable energy market.

ReNew Energy $9.33 billion investment in Andhra Pradesh is a big step for India’s renewable energy efforts. It includes solar manufacturing, storage systems, hybrid renewable projects, and green fuel production.

For the state, the projects offer job creation, energy security, and industrial growth. For India, they support national renewable energy targets and demonstrate the country’s commitment to cleaner energy.

The success of these projects will depend on execution, planning, and coordination among the company, governments, local communities, and supply chains. If done well, it could set a benchmark for future investments and contribute significantly to India’s transition toward a low-carbon economy. 

• READ MORE: India Hits 100 GW Solar Milestone, Eyes Global Solar Export Hub with EU Partnership

The post ReNew Energy to Invest over $9 Billion to Boost Solar, Storage & Green Fuels in Andhra Pradesh appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Google has taken another major step toward its clean energy goals by signing a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with French energy company TotalEnergies. Under the agreement, Google will purchase 1.5 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable electricity from TotalEnergies’ Montpelier solar farm in Ohio.

The 50-megawatt (MW) solar facility, which is nearing completion, will be connected to the PJM grid system, the largest electricity market in the United States. Once operational, the project will supply clean electricity directly to Google’s data centers in Ohio, helping the company reduce its carbon footprint and support local grid decarbonization.

Will Conkling, Director of Clean Energy and Power, Google, said:

“Strengthening the grid by deploying more reliable and clean energy is crucial for supporting the digital infrastructure that businesses and individuals depend on. Our collaboration with TotalEnergies will help power our data centers and the broader economic growth of Ohio.”

Ohio Powers the Next Wave of Data Center Growth

According to S&P Global, data center electricity demand in the U.S. is set to rise sharply — from 75.8 GW in 2026 to 134.4 GW by 2030. This surge is driven largely by the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and high-performance computing workloads.

In Ohio alone, Central Ohio leads the state with over 100 data centers, including those operated by Google, AWS, and Meta. New projects from companies like Cologix, QTS Data Centers, and Vantage Data Centers continue to expand the region’s energy demand.

This booming digital infrastructure is reshaping the U.S. electricity landscape. Many utilities are now planning for massive grid expansions to support this load growth. Yet, questions remain about how quickly clean energy projects can keep up with the rising power needs of hyperscale data centers.

A Shared Commitment to Building a Carbon-Free Digital Economy

The press release highlights that both companies share a strong commitment to sustainability. The partnership aligns with Google’s 2030 goal for 24×7 carbon-free operations and with TotalEnergies’ strategy to expand its clean power portfolio for digital infrastructure.

Together, they showcase how strategic corporate partnerships can accelerate decarbonization and fuel the clean energy transition.

Stéphane Michel, President Gas, Renewables & Power at TotalEnergies, commented,

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Google with this agreement to supply renewable electricity to their data centers in Ohio. This agreement illustrates TotalEnergies’s ability to meet the growing energy demands of major tech companies by leveraging its integrated portfolio of renewable and flexible assets. It also contributes to achieving our target of 12% profitability in the power sector.”

Corporate PPAs: Driving the Energy Transition

Corporate PPAs are becoming key to cutting global emissions. These long-term contracts let companies buy clean electricity directly from renewable energy developers. By doing this, they skip middlemen and make sure new renewable projects get built.

For companies, PPAs provide steady energy prices and clear proof of their green energy use. For developers, they offer financial security to invest in new projects.

In Google’s case, the deal with TotalEnergies supports its goal to power every data center and office with carbon-free energy from the same grid. This approach goes beyond buying renewable energy certificates or offsets. Instead, it adds real clean energy to local grids and helps reduce emissions where it matters most.

TotalEnergies’ Expanding Renewable Footprint

TotalEnergies is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, and its renewable power ambitions are accelerating. By October 2025, the company had reached 32 GW of installed renewable capacity and aims to hit 35 GW by year-end. By 2030, TotalEnergies targets over 100 TWh of net electricity production from renewables.

In the U.S., the company is developing a 10 GW clean energy portfolio, including solar, onshore wind, and battery storage projects. Of this, 1 GW is located within the PJM market and 4 GW in Texas under ERCOT.

The new PPA with Google joins a list of corporate deals TotalEnergies has signed with major firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, Air Liquide, LyondellBasell, Saint-Gobain, STMicroelectronics, and Merck. These partnerships significantly help stabilize project revenues while accelerating the clean energy transition for large industrial and technology customers.

Google’s Journey to 24/7 Carbon-Free Data Centers by 2030

Google’s data centers run its global operations but also create most of its emissions. In 2024, Scope 2 emissions hit 3.1 million metric tons of CO₂, mostly from electricity use.

To address this, Google improved efficiency, reaching an average PUE of 1.09—much better than the industry average of 1.56. This means its data centers use 84% less extra energy.

At the same time, Google signed over 8 GW of new clean energy contracts. These solar, wind, and other carbon-free projects help the company move toward running 24/7 on carbon-free energy by 2030.

Solar Energy: The Core of Clean Power Strategy

Solar energy is a cornerstone of Google’s sustainability roadmap. Since 2017, the company has maintained a 100% renewable energy match globally and has now signed more than 170 clean energy agreements totaling over 22 GW of capacity.

Recent highlights include:

• A 1 GW solar pipeline in Taiwan, developed in partnership with BlackRock’s Climate Infrastructure business.
• A 1.5 GW portfolio of new solar projects across the PJM grid in the U.S., aligned with Google’s data center locations.
• Investments that help semiconductor suppliers and manufacturers in Asia decarbonize their operations.

Through initiatives like Project Sunroof and the Solar API, Google is also using AI and satellite imagery to make rooftop solar more accessible to homeowners and developers. In 2024, solar panels installed through partners using Google’s API were estimated to enable 6 million metric tons of lifetime GHG reductions. It’s roughly 6,000 times greater than the emissions produced by the model’s computing energy that same year.

A Blueprint for Energy and Technology Synergy

The Google–TotalEnergies partnership goes beyond energy supply—it shows how tech and clean energy can work together. However, energy equity remains important. Policymakers and utilities must ensure local communities also benefit from clean energy, not just large data centers.

As AI and digital demand grow, scaling renewables will be key. Partnerships like this help lay the foundation for a sustainable, carbon-free digital future.

• READ MORE: Google’s Bold Climate Actions: AI in the Amazon and Solar Power in Space!

The post Google and TotalEnergies Unlock Carbon-Free Future for Ohio Data Centers with 15-Year Solar Deal appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Nestlé, the Swiss food and drink giant, has committed to two major restoration projects in Brazil to generate carbon credits. The company is working with re.green, a Brazilian restoration company, and chocolatier Barry Callebaut on these projects.

They aim to cut down Nestlé’s carbon footprint. At the same time, they aim to restore degraded lands, plant native trees, and support more sustainable supply chains for cocoa and coffee.

Planting Millions: Nestlé’s Brazil Projects

Nestlé’s deal with re.green focuses on restoring roughly 2,000 hectares in Bahia’s Atlantic Forest. Over a 30-year period, the project plans to plant around 3.3 million native trees.

Re.green estimates this will create around 880,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent in carbon credits. This is based on a strong ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation) method.

In a second initiative, Nestlé and Barry Callebaut will work on 6,000 hectares across Bahia and Pará. This project will turn degraded land into a mixed agroforestry system—mainly cocoa trees plus native species.

The plan calls for planting 7.7 million seedlings over many years. This agroforestry system is expected to generate around 600,000 tonnes of carbon credits.

Altogether, Nestlé’s efforts in Brazil cover about 8,000 hectares and aim to plant roughly 11 million trees.

Why This Deal Matters for Climate and Business

This deal is strategically important for Nestlé on several fronts. First, it supports its climate goals. These project credits reduce carbon in the atmosphere. This helps Nestlé aim for net-zero emissions in the long run.

Second, the projects improve Nestlé’s supply chain resilience. Restoring landscapes where the company sources cocoa and coffee helps to keep these regions healthy.

Third, these are not just tree-planting projects. Restoration boosts biodiversity, enhances soil quality, safeguards water resources, and helps local communities. Using native species in the Atlantic Forest helps preserve one of Brazil’s most threatened biomes.

Finally, the deal is a signal of long-term commitment. Nestlé is more than just buying credits. It’s creating nature-based solutions that match its business and environmental goals.

Nestlé’s Roadmap to Net-Zero

• Nestlé has set bold climate targets. The company aims to plant 200 million trees by 2030 and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In its 2024 Non-Financial Statement, Nestlé clarifies that it will not use carbon credits outside its value chain to achieve its main net-zero goals. Instead, it invests in nature-based solutions tied directly to its sourcing regions.

Nestlé uses rigorous approaches to estimate greenhouse gas removals. It accounts for tree growth, species types, soil differences, and uses field data and science-based models. It also meets global standards, like those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the GHG Protocol. This helps ensure transparency and accuracy.

In addition to reforestation, Nestlé partners on regenerative agriculture. For instance, it has a global agroforestry initiative with OFI (Olam Food Ingredients). This program will help 25,000 farmers in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria change their farms.

• The plan includes planting 2.8 million trees and transforming more than 72,000 hectares into agroforestry systems over time.

These combined efforts show how Nestlé links carbon removal, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable farming to its broader climate strategy.

Nestlé’s Nescafé hit its 2025 target early by sourcing 32% of its coffee through regenerative agriculture in 2024. This gives it a strong lead toward the 2030 goal of 50%.

The company has invested over $1 billion. This supports more than 200,000 farmers on 400,000 hectares. They train these farmers in methods like shade trees, natural composting, and cover crops.

These practices help restore soil health and lower the need for chemicals. They have also cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20-40% per kilogram of green coffee. They also help Nestlé reach its goal of halving production-related emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050.

• SEE MORE: How Nestlé’s Nescafé Hits Coffee Sustainability Goals Early: A Climate Win in Every Cup

Backing the Green: Funding and Market Momentum

These reforestation deals come amid strong momentum in Brazil’s nature-based carbon sector. The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) approved an $85 million loan for ARR projects. These projects should create about 2.47 million carbon credits.

Meanwhile, re.green itself has won fresh financing. It secured 80 million reais (approx. US$14 million) from BNDES, with Bradesco as a financial partner. The deal helps re.green scale up restoration in key biomes.

Credits from ARR projects in Brazil, especially those using high-quality methods, should trade for around $55 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent. This carbon price can vary based on deal structures.

This shows that both public and private resources are flowing into nature-based carbon solutions. For Nestlé, joining this trend offers both environmental benefits and strategic value.

Impact for Business and Nature

These contracted projects by Nestlé have a significant impact on business and nature:

• Credible Carbon Removal:
  Nestlé is funding long-term restoration projects linked to its supply chain. This helps create high-integrity carbon credits instead of just buying generic ones.
• Sustainable Sourcing:
  Restoring tree cover in cocoa and coffee regions strengthens the ecological base of Nestlé’s ingredient supply.
• Corporate Climate Leadership:
  This move positions Nestlé as a leader in tying net-zero goals to meaningful, nature-based actions.
• Market Signal:
  Big corporate deals like this could drive more investment in restoration. This would boost Brazil’s carbon credit market and increase the supply of high-quality nature credits.

What Could Go Wrong? Nestlé’s Bold Step in Carbon Leadership

While this initiative is ambitious, its success depends on several factors. Tree survival over decades is crucial: saplings must grow, persist, and avoid being lost to fires or land-use changes. Long-term monitoring is needed to make sure the credits represent real removal.

Also, the permanence and additionality of the credits matter. Observers will watch how re.green, Nestlé, and their auditors ensure that the forest does not revert and that the project would not have happened without this financing.

Finally, the social dimension is important. Local communities must benefit, and land rights and governance issues should be handled transparently. Without community support, restoration projects often struggle.

Nestlé’s carbon credit deal with re.green and Barry Callebaut marks a significant and strategic step in its climate journey. Its net-zero strategy focuses on nature-based solutions, backed by careful accounting and long-term commitments. Public and private investors in Brazil’s carbon market are also backing this shift.

If the projects succeed, they could show big companies how to scale regenerative landscapes. This approach can help not only to offset emissions but also to build stronger business foundations.

• READ MORE: Amazon’s $20B Carbon Credit Boom? Brazil’s REDD+ Faces Integrity and Demand Test

The post Nestlé to Plant 11 Million Trees in Brazil to Generate Carbon Credits and Boost Sustainability appeared first on Carbon Credits.