Google's Progressive Clean Energy Partnership in Nevada
Key Ideas
- Google has signed a deal with NV Energy to power its Nevada datacenters using geothermal energy, seen as a more progressive approach to renewable energy contracts.
- The partnership with NV Energy builds on a successful geothermal pilot with startup Fervo Energy, expanding to 115 MW of power and featuring a Clean Transition Tariff.
- The proposed structure aims to help Google achieve its goal of running datacenters on carbon-free energy by 2030 and serves as a blueprint for other utilities and large customers in Nevada.
- In contrast, Amazon's plan to power datacenters using fuel cells in Oregon has been withdrawn amid environmental concerns, shifting focus towards green hydrogen and cleaner energy sources.
Google has forged a groundbreaking clean energy partnership with NV Energy to power its Nevada datacenters using geothermal energy. This innovative agreement, described as a 'clean energy partnership,' marks a step towards fulfilling Google's ambition of running its datacenters and office campuses entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030. The collaboration with NV Energy, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, has expanded geothermal power capacity to 115 MW through a successful pilot with Fervo Energy. This partnership showcases a new Clean Transition Tariff that aims to revolutionize investing in clean energy capacity. Google's initiative seeks to address the limitations of traditional power purchase agreements and promote the integration of clean energy technologies. On the other hand, Amazon's plan to utilize fuel cells in Oregon datacenters has faced setbacks and regulatory challenges, ultimately withdrawing the application. This decision aligns with growing environmental concerns and the shift towards cleaner energy sources like green hydrogen. The contrasting approaches of tech giants highlight the evolving landscape of renewable energy usage in datacenter operations.