Xcel Energy to develop 1.9 GW of clean energy to supply Google's new data center in Minnesota

Xcel Energy has announced a significant partnership to develop 1.9 GW of new carbon-free generation specifically to supply Google's new data center in Pine Island, Minnesota. This substantial project, announced in February 2026, involves a hybrid technology mix comprising 1.4 GW of wind, 200 MW of solar, and 300 MW of long-duration energy storage. The inclusion of long-duration storage is particularly notable, designed to ensure reliable, round-the-clock clean power for the energy-intensive data center operation. This deal holds strategic importance for both Xcel Energy and Google. For Xcel Energy, a major U.S. utility increasingly focused on renewable energy, it represents a massive development opportunity and a clear commitment to expanding its clean energy portfolio through a direct utility-to-corporate supply model. For Google, an active clean energy buyer with a track record of securing significant carbon-free energy, this partnership directly addresses the substantial power demands of its new Minnesota data center, aligning with its sustainability objectives and ensuring a dedicated, clean power supply. The scale of 1.9 GW underscores the growing demand from corporate offtakers for bespoke, large-scale clean energy solutions. The partnership highlights a trend where utilities are collaborating directly with large corporate energy consumers to develop dedicated renewable energy infrastructure. This approach allows corporations like Google to meet ambitious carbon-free energy goals while providing utilities with guaranteed demand for new generation assets. The integration of long-duration storage further reflects an industry shift towards more resilient and dispatchable clean energy solutions.