Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 7 hrs ago
Google Proposes Clean Energy Deal for Minnesota Data Center
Google plans to build a 780-MW data center in Pine Island, Minnesota.
To support it, Google has proposed an agreement with Xcel Energy to add 1.4 gigawatts of wind power, 200 megawatts of solar power and 300 megawatts of battery storage.
Google would pay for the projects, which Xcel says would serve the wider grid as well as the data center.
Because wind and solar output changes with the weather, the new capacity does not guarantee an equal supply of electricity at every moment.
The deal would require Google to pay minimum charges based on at least 75 percent of its contracted capacity, and early cancellation could bring fees of up to eight years of minimum charges.
The proposal aims to address local concerns and help Google meet its 2030 carbon-free energy target, and it is awaiting approval from Minnesota regulators.
Google has proposed an agreement with Xcel Energy to support new clean energy resources alongside its 780-MW Project Skyway data centre in Minnesota.
Google plans to finance 1.4 GW of wind, 200 MW of solar power and 300 MW of battery storage.
Xcel says the resources would serve the wider grid, benefiting other customers as well as the data centre.
The proposed agreement would require Google to pay minimum monthly charges based on at least 75 per cent of its contracted capacity, even if it uses less.
The agreement is pending approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
- Who
- Google and Xcel Energy are proposing the agreement.
- What
- Google would finance new wind, solar and battery storage to support its data centre and serve the wider grid.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Pine Island, Minnesota, and the wider grid.
- Why
- Google says the plan would support a cleaner energy future as it develops its data centre. It also aims to help meet its 2030 carbon-free energy target.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Data centre
- 780 MW Project Skyway
- Wind power
- 1.4 GW planned
- Solar power
- 200 MW planned
- Battery storage
- 300 MW planned
- Minimum monthly charges
- Based on at least 75 per cent of contracted capacity
- Approval status
- Pending approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
What people are saying
Nobody wants to have a big buildout and then have nowhere for that power to go and nobody to pay for that power… That’s where these protections come in.
Google’s partnership with Xcel Energy reimagines how data centres can be served, enabling us to be a catalyst for electricity innovation and helping to ensure our growth supports a cleaner, more affordable energy future for the communities we call home.