Google has announced plans to construct its first data centre in Pine Island, Minnesota, which will be powered by a substantial 1.9 gigawatts of clean energy, including an innovative 300-megawatt battery developed by Form Energy, a startup focused on renewable energy technology. This data centre, situated around an hour southeast of Minneapolis, is part of Google’s broader initiative to enhance its sustainability efforts.
Collaborating with Xcel Energy, Google aims to generate 1.4 gigawatts from wind and an additional 200 megawatts from solar power sources. These renewable energies will charge Form Energy’s battery, designed to provide power for a remarkable 100 hours. This extensive capacity, amounting to 30 gigawatt-hours, positions it to be the largest battery globally, enabling the data centre to maintain operations on clean energy for extended periods.
These long-duration batteries are vital for stabilising renewable energy supply, effectively allowing power to be available during night-time or low production periods. Existing lithium-ion batteries are capable but typically only sustain power for shorter durations. Form Energy’s unique technology stands out as it utilises a process involving iron rusting for energy storage, in contrast to conventional grid batteries that rely on lithium-ion technology.
The operation of Form’s batteries is fascinating; as iron inside the battery rusts due to exposure to oxygen, electricity is generated. When recharging, electrical currents revert the rust back to metallic iron, simultaneously releasing oxygen. While these iron-air cells might lack the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries—releasing only 50% to 70% of the stored energy—their manufacturing costs are significantly lower. Form claims the cost per kilowatt-hour for their storage solution could reach just $20, making it considerably cheaper than current lithium-ion alternatives.
The project also initiates a new utility fee structure in Minnesota, designed to facilitate the integration of clean technologies for energy utilities while complying with regulatory requirements that often favour cheaper energy sources. This concept, originally developed in Nevada, involves an agreement where Google compensates Xcel for adopting potentially risky yet innovative projects, thereby safeguarding regular consumers from financial repercussions.
Though solar and wind technologies are well-established, Form Energy’s iron-air batteries are still emerging. The company’s first battery installation in Minnesota, in partnership with Great River Energy, will store 150 megawatt-hours and supply the grid with up to 1.5 megawatts of energy during peak times.
Form is actively manufacturing its batteries in West Virginia and has successfully secured $1.4 billion in funding to date, showcasing the growing investment and interest in sustainable energy technologies.
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