Google has announced plans to construct a data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, powered by 1.9 gigawatts of clean energy. The centerpiece of this project is a massive 300-megawatt battery developed by startup Form Energy, capable of storing up to 30 gigawatt-hours of energy for up to 100 hours.
The data center will be supported by 1.4 gigawatts of wind power and 200 megawatts of solar power, all channeled into Form Energy’s innovative iron-air battery technology. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, these iron-air cells utilize a unique chemistry involving iron oxidation, which is less efficient but significantly more cost-effective, with projected storage costs of just $20 per kilowatt-hour, three times cheaper than lithium-ion alternatives.
This breakthrough in long-duration energy storage not only enhances the viability of renewable sources but also underscores Google’s commitment to sustainable practices in powering its operations.
Source: TechCrunch