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Google, Xcel Unveil 1.9 GW Clean-Power Plan With 100-Hour Battery for New Minnesota Data Center

State regulators must approve the Xcel-Google service agreement next.

Overview

  • The package would add 1,400 MW of wind, 200 MW of solar, and a 300 MW/30 GWh Form Energy iron‑air system marketed as the largest multi‑day battery announced, with units to be built in West Virginia.
  • Google will fund its service and related grid upgrades via a Clean Energy Accelerator Charge, including a $50 million contribution to Xcel’s Capacity*Connect reliability program to shield other customers.
  • Xcel says the 100‑hour battery will provide firm capacity to back up intermittent generation for the Pine Island facility, Google’s first data center in Minnesota.
  • The Electric Service Agreement is being prepared for filing with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, which must review and approve the terms.
  • The Information reports Google agreed to pay roughly $1 billion for the Form Energy installation, a figure neither company has publicly confirmed.