Google Harnesses Energy from Underground Cracks for Internet

Google Launches First Geothermal Project in Nevada, Powering Data Centers with Clean Energy
Google has unveiled its groundbreaking geothermal project in Nevada, aiming to provide environmentally friendly energy to the company’s data processing centers. In collaboration with FERVO, a startup specializing in geothermal energy innovation, Google seeks to harness new technologies to achieve this goal. This venture marks a significant step in Google’s commitment to transition to sustainable energy sources by 2030. The partnership with FERVO has enabled the creation of a relatively smaller geothermal project, generating 3.5 MW of power. To put this into perspective, a single megawatt of energy can sufficiently meet the needs of approximately 750 households. The electricity produced by this project will be supplied to a local network that serves two Google data processing centers located outside Las Vegas and Reno. “We firmly believe that corporations play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of such innovative technologies,” stated Michael Terrell, Senior Director of Energy and Climate at Google. The groundwork for this project was laid in 2021 when Google announced a historic corporate agreement for the development of a cutting-edge geothermal station. Unlike conventional geothermal stations, this project employs an unconventional method. It involves drilling two horizontal wells, which are used to inject water into heated rock fractures. The heated water is then retrieved as steam, creating a closed-loop system that conserves and reuses water—an essential consideration in the arid Nevada region. In addition to its collaboration with Google, FERVO’s breakthrough geothermal technology has also received support from Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the US Department of Energy. Unlike solar and wind power, which are subject to weather conditions and time of day, geothermal projects offer a more reliable and stable source of electricity. This advantage further fuels Google’s mission to expand its geothermal power plants. The company’s commitment to geothermal energy provides a promising pathway for achieving long-term sustainability goals. While Google has not disclosed the future locations of its geothermal power plants, it is known that data processing centers consume an immense amount of electricity, accounting for approximately 1% of global production.

Google Launches First Geothermal Project in Nevada, Powering Data Centers with Clean Energy

Google has unveiled its groundbreaking geothermal project in Nevada, aiming to provide environmentally friendly energy to the company’s data processing centers. In collaboration with FERVO, a startup specializing in geothermal energy innovation, Google seeks to harness new technologies to achieve this goal. This venture marks a significant step in Google’s commitment to transition to sustainable energy sources by 2030.

The partnership with FERVO has enabled the creation of a relatively smaller geothermal project, generating 3.5 MW of power. To put this into perspective, a single megawatt of energy can sufficiently meet the needs of approximately 750 households. The electricity produced by this project will be supplied to a local network that serves two Google data processing centers located outside Las Vegas and Reno.

“We firmly believe that corporations play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of such innovative technologies,” stated Michael Terrell, Senior Director of Energy and Climate at Google.

The groundwork for this project was laid in 2021 when Google announced a historic corporate agreement for the development of a cutting-edge geothermal station. Unlike conventional geothermal stations, this project employs an unconventional method. It involves drilling two horizontal wells, which are used to inject water into heated rock fractures. The heated water is then retrieved as steam, creating a closed-loop system that conserves and reuses water—an essential consideration in the arid Nevada region.

In addition to its collaboration with Google, FERVO’s breakthrough geothermal technology has also received support from Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures and the US Department of Energy.

Unlike solar and wind power, which are subject to weather conditions and time of day, geothermal projects offer a more reliable and stable source of electricity. This advantage further fuels Google’s mission to expand its geothermal power plants. The company’s commitment to geothermal energy provides a promising pathway for achieving long-term sustainability goals.

While Google has not disclosed the future locations of its geothermal power plants, it is known that data processing centers consume an immense amount of electricity, accounting for approximately 1% of global production.

/Reports, release notes, official announcements.