Google and Xcel Energy partner for iron-air battery deployment in Minnesota

By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 24, 2026

Partnership Battery Storage announced United States Feb 24, 2026

300 MW

Capacity

Google and Xcel Energy have reached a definitive agreement to deploy a 300 MW / 30 GWh iron-air battery system in Pine Island, Minnesota, utilizing technology from Form Energy. The project is a cornerstone of the new 'Clean Energy Accelerator' agreement, a regulatory framework that allows Google to cover the costs of the deployment directly.

Deal Analysis

Google and Xcel Energy's partnership to deploy a 300 MW / 30 GWh iron-air battery system in Minnesota represents a significant step towards long-duration energy storage solutions. This project, utilizing Form Energy's technology, is facilitated by a 'Clean Energy Accelerator' agreement, where Google directly covers deployment costs. This innovative financing model could pave the way for wider adoption of emerging energy storage technologies. The project aims to address the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy sources, contributing to a more reliable and decarbonized grid.

Large-scale deployment: 300 MW / 30 GWh capacity positions it as a significant energy storage project.
Innovative financing: Google's direct funding through the 'Clean Energy Accelerator' model.
Strategic partnership: Collaboration between a major energy provider (Xcel Energy) and a technology giant (Google).
Long-duration storage: Iron-air battery technology addresses the need for extended energy storage capabilities.

Market Context: The battery storage market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources and the need for grid stabilization. Long-duration energy storage technologies, like iron-air batteries, are gaining traction as they offer the potential to store energy for extended periods, addressing the limitations of shorter-duration lithium-ion batteries.