Image source: Fervo Energy
Bill Gates-backed Fervo Energy is expanding its partnership with Google through a new deal to supply nearly 400 megawatts of geothermal power for a potential data centre in Utah. Fervo said on Tuesday, September 8 that it will supply Google with 396 megawatts of geothermal power from its Cape Station project in Utah. The company plans to begin supplying the electricity in 2028. The 396 MW agreement adds to Fervo’s existing contracts. The company has about 1,000 MW of power contracted with customers including Shell and utility company Edison, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Fervo CEO and co-founder Tim Latimer said the agreement addresses the need for electricity that can operate continuously and be built at scale. “As demand for reliable electricity grows, customers like Google need energy resources that can be deployed at scale, operate around the clock, and deliver where power is needed,” Latimer said. The agreement comes as the rapid growth of data centres, driven in part by artificial intelligence, increases demand for electricity in the US. Americans across many states have raised their voices against data centres.
Fervo’s project is therefore aimed at supplying power that can support large facilities over long periods. For data centre operators, renewable power that is available around the clock can be particularly valuable. Unlike some renewable sources that depend on weather conditions, geothermal power can provide electricity continuously.