Google, NV Energy Plan To Use Geothermal Power For Data Centers

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In a bid to ramp up its commitment to clean energy, Google has partnered with Berkshire Hathaway electric utility NV Energy to fuel its Nevada data centers with advanced geothermal electricity. This move is part of Google’s broader goal to operate entirely on clean energy by 2030.

The agreement, currently pending approval from state utility regulators, is set to significantly boost the amount of carbon-free geothermal electricity supplied to Google’s operations in Nevada. Over the span of approximately six years, the capacity is expected to surge from 3.5 megawatts to 115 megawatts.

As technology giants like Google expand their data center infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for services such as generative artificial intelligence and cloud computing, securing vast amounts of electricity becomes paramount. This partnership underscores Google’s proactive approach to addressing its energy needs sustainably.

Google’s global operations already rely on 64% carbon-free energy, including wind and solar power. The collaboration with NV Energy represents a strategic move towards securing clean energy in regulated power markets, where purchasing power directly from generators poses challenges for companies aiming for complete reliance on clean energy sources.

Furthermore, the agreement involves Google’s active involvement in NV Energy’s power generation planning and the development of a Clean Transition Tariff, a rate structure aimed at facilitating the adoption of clean energy solutions. This innovative approach could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country.

Geothermal energy, which harnesses naturally occurring underground heat to generate electricity, holds promise as a reliable and sustainable alternative to traditional power sources like coal and natural gas. In Nevada, geothermal accounts for approximately 10% of total electricity generation, making it a significant contributor to the state’s clean energy portfolio.