Google Partners with Xcel Energy to Power Minnesota Data Center with 1.9GW of Clean Energy

The new facility will incorporate wind, solar, and long-duration energy storage to meet growing demand for data and electrification.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Google has announced a partnership with Xcel Energy to power a new data center in Pine Island, Minnesota with 1,900 megawatts of clean energy. The project will incorporate 1,400 MW of new wind capacity, 200 MW of solar power, and 300 MW of long-duration energy storage to meet the facility's energy needs.

Why it matters

As U.S. power consumption is projected to surge due to the expansion of data centers and broader electrification trends, securing dedicated clean energy sources is critical for tech companies like Google. This partnership demonstrates how large energy users can work with utilities to invest in grid-scale renewable infrastructure to support their operations.

The details

Under the agreement, Google will cover all costs associated with the new service, adhering to Minnesota's regulations for large-scale energy loads. In addition to the 1.9GW of new clean energy capacity, Google is also investing $50 million into Xcel's Capacity*Connect program.

  • The partnership was announced on February 24, 2026.

The players

Google

A multinational technology company that provides a variety of services, including internet-related products and services, software, and hardware.

Xcel Energy

A major electric and natural gas utility that serves customers in eight Western and Midwestern states, including Minnesota.

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What’s next

As Google and other tech companies continue to expand their data center infrastructure, it remains to be seen how these investments will shape the future of energy consumption and grid modernization.

The takeaway

This partnership between Google and Xcel Energy demonstrates how large energy users can work with utilities to invest in grid-scale renewable infrastructure to support their operations and meet growing demand for data and electrification.