Google has proposed a deal with Xcel Energy to build a 780-megawatt data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, powered by renewable capacity exceeding its needs: 1,400 megawatts of wind, 200 megawatts of solar and 300 megawatts of battery storage. The company commits to paying at least 75% of its contracted capacity even if underutilized, with exit fees reaching up to eight years of minimum demand charges. According to a Gallup survey, 71% of Americans oppose the construction of a data center in their local area, while 50% believe such facilities would be harmful to the environment and household energy costs. The agreement still requires approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Google’s cloud revenue reached nearly $25 billion in the second quarter, up 82% year over year.
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