Google is building clean power generation facilities and massive power storage
Google doesn't just rely on nuclear power: the company is commissioning solar and wind power plants and large power storage for a data center.
Google data center in Delfzijl, Netherlands
(Image: INTREEGUE Photography / Shutterstock.com)
A data center operated by US search engine provider Google is to be equipped with a large battery that will temporarily store electricity from renewable sources. The energy provider Xcel Energy will implement the project in Pine Island in the US state of Minnesota.
According to its own statements, Xcel will install a storage system with a capacity of 30 gigawatt hours, which is intended to provide a power output of 300 megawatts. Measured by storage capacity, this is the world's largest battery project to date.
The batteries are iron-air batteries from the US company Form Energy, a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This storage technology uses air and iron or rust and does not require lithium. Since the necessary raw materials are abundant, such a battery is expected to be significantly cheaper than a lithium-ion battery. Furthermore, it contains no toxic substances and cannot catch fire.
Wind turbines and solar modules
Google and Xcel Energy have also agreed to build new clean energy facilities: Xcel Energy will install wind turbines with a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts and 200 megawatts of solar systems on behalf of the internet group.
"Our commitment to Minnesota goes beyond building infrastructure; it’s about being a responsible partner, neighbor, and a good citizen of the grid," said Amanda Peterson Corio, Head of Data Center Energy at Google. "By building clean power generation systems and storage, Google is helping to establish a robust power grid that benefits society."
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As with all major internet companies, Google's energy demand has also increased rapidly in recent years due to advances in artificial intelligence. The company relies on carbon-free energy: this includes wind, hydro, and solar energy, as well as nuclear power. For example, a decommissioned nuclear power plant in the state of Iowa is to be restarted for Google in 2029. In addition, the company plans to have three new nuclear power plants developed.
(wpl)
