Google (GOOGL.O) has signed an agreement with NV Energy, an electric utility owned by Berkshire Hathaway, to power its Nevada data centers with geothermal energy, the company announced on Wednesday.
The agreement, pending approval from state utility regulators, aims to boost the amount of carbon-free geothermal electricity supplied to the local power grid for Google’s operations from 3.5 megawatts to 115 megawatts over six years.
This move comes as major technology companies seek large amounts of electricity to power their expanding data centers, which are essential for supporting technologies like generative AI and cloud computing. The partnership helps Google progress towards its goal of using entirely clean energy by 2030.
Earlier this year, Google announced plans to invest at least $4 billion in building or expanding data centers in Indiana, Missouri, and Virginia. According to Google’s latest environmental report, 64% of its global operations are powered by carbon-free energy, including wind and solar.
As part of the agreement, Google has participated in NV Energy’s power generation resource planning and helped develop a rate structure called the Clean Transition Tariff, which Google hopes will be adopted nationwide.
To support the deal, NV Energy signed a power purchase agreement with advanced geothermal developer Fervo Energy, which has been providing Google with 3.5 megawatts of power since starting a pilot program with the company in 2021.
While solar and wind power depend on sunlight and wind availability, companies are exploring firm clean energy options like geothermal and existing nuclear technologies.
