Google helps fund world's largest wind farm

Google has once again poured big money into a renewable energy project … this time, as a part-owner of what will be the world’s largest wind farm, now under construction near Arlington, Oregon.

Other companies involved in the 845-megawatt Shepherds Flat project include GE’s Energy Financial Services unit, developer and managing member Caithness Energy, and subsidiaries of ITOCHU Corporation and Sumitomo Corporation.

Google, ITOCHU subsidiary Tyr Energy and Sumitomo subsidiary Sumitomo Corporation of America are investing approximately $500 million in the $2 billion project. Additional financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Shepherds Flat wind project stretches across 30 square miles of Gilliam and Morrow counties in north-central Oregon. Upon completion next year, the development will generate enough energy to supply more than 235,000 average US homes, and will avoid about 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide from approximately 260,000 passenger vehicles.

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