en.Wedoany.com Reported - Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE), a major U.S. renewable energy developer, has recently launched a solar photovoltaic project cluster with a total installed capacity of 725 megawatts in Oklahoma, involving an investment of approximately $1.5 billion and supporting Google's local operations.
On July 7, LRE highlighted several projects at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, stating that these projects reinforce Oklahoma's growing role in attracting commercial investment, advancing digital infrastructure, and providing the energy resources needed to sustain long-term economic growth. LRE CEO Jason Allen said these project clusters represent a significant investment in Oklahoma's energy future, showcasing the scale of infrastructure required to support rising electricity demand and long-term economic growth. These projects reflect years of collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering reliable, affordable, domestically produced energy to support businesses, communities, and the digital infrastructure driving U.S. economic growth. He noted that by working closely with local communities, landowners, utilities, customers, and development partners, the company is helping to strengthen grid reliability, support continued investment, and build a stronger energy future for the region.
The solar project cluster includes: Salt Branch Solar 1 & 2 (145 MW), Huckleberry Solar (125 MW), Mayes Solar (102 MW), Twelvemile Solar 1 & 2 (153 MW combined), and the under-construction Twelvemile 3 Solar Project (200 MW). Among these, Salt Branch Solar, Huckleberry Solar, and Mayes Solar together form the Mayes County solar project cluster; Twelvemile Solar 1 & 2 are located in Bryan County, and Twelvemile Solar 3 is in Johnston County.
LRE stated that Salt Branch Solar 1 & 2, Huckleberry Solar, Mayes Solar, and Twelvemile Solar 1 & 2 support Google's operations in Oklahoma while providing electricity for the region's continued development. These projects align with the company's focus on delivering infrastructure near areas of growing electricity demand. JT Tolliver, Head of Google's Data Center Operations in Oklahoma and Missouri, believes this new agreement with LRE will help add more power generation capacity in Oklahoma, building a stronger, more affordable, and more reliable energy system for everyone.
LRE noted that these projects collectively supported over 2,000 construction jobs and are expected to generate approximately $148.8 million in state and local tax revenue over their operational lifespan. The projects also incorporate native and naturalized pollinator-friendly vegetation, aimed at supporting habitat restoration, soil health, and long-term ecosystem resilience. Overall, the projects include 7,712 acres of pollinator-friendly habitat and have achieved certification scores exceeding 85 points on Fresh Energy's "Pollinator-Friendly Solar Scorecard."
Partners on these projects include Red River Renewable Energy (a joint venture between SunChase Power and Eolian). The group stated that Red River initiated these projects over a decade ago and had signed power purchase agreements with Google before LRE separately acquired the solar project clusters in 2024. Eolian CEO Aaron Zubaty said the Oklahoma project cluster demonstrates how strategically located energy infrastructure can help meet growing electricity demand by unlocking underutilized transmission capacity, while strengthening grid reliability by siting generation close to the loads it serves. Teran Smith, Vice President of SunChase Power LLC, said these milestones reflect years of collaboration among landowners, local communities, and project partners, with all seven projects realizing their original vision of supporting economic growth, strengthening energy infrastructure, and creating lasting benefits for Oklahoma communities.
