Google taps into the geothermal potential in Nevada, partnering with Fervo Energy to fuel data centres sustainably, marking a stride towards their 2030 commitment for 'carbon-free' energy use globally
In a significant step towards sustainable energy practises, Google has announced the adoption of carbon-free electricity derived from a geothermal project to fuel its data centres in Nevada, USA. Collaborating with Houston-based Fervo Energy, this venture marks a noteworthy milestone in leveraging geothermal energy for large-scale operations.
Tim Latimer, Chief and Co-Founder of Fervo Energy, underscored the achievement of integrating geothermal electricity into the grid, a feat that eludes many emerging energy companies. Latimer predicts that geothermal energy will gain increased recognition, positioning itself as a valuable player in the transition to cleaner energy sources.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has long championed geothermal energy as a potential solution to climate change. A 2011 IEA document projected that geothermal energy could contribute 3.5 percent of global electricity production by 2050, preventing nearly 800 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The collaboration between Google and Fervo Energy, initiated in 2021, has borne fruit with the operationalisation of a geothermal plant near Winnemucca, Nevada, currently delivering approximately 3.5 megawatts to the grid. While this output is substantial, Google's data centres demand more electricity.
Consequently, Google has entered into additional agreements for solar energy and electricity storage. The tech giant operates two plants in Nevada, strategically located near Las Vegas and Reno. Michael Terrell, leading climate efforts at Google, expressed the possibility of extending geothermal energy to other data centres worldwide.
In a commitment declared in 2020, Google pledged to rely on "carbon-free" energy consistently by 2030, regardless of its global location and operational hours. Industry experts view corporate giants like Google as catalysts for the widespread adoption of clean energy practises. Terrell highlighted Google's early support for wind and solar projects, contributing to the growth of these markets.
Geothermal energy is being utilised for electricity production in the United States. However, according to the US Energy Information Administration, it only accounts for less than 0.5 percent of the nation's total electricity generation. In 2022, geothermal power was harnessed in various states, such as California, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho, and New Mexico.
Geothermal companies, including Fervo Energy, are now exploring deeper ground penetration, expanding the potential for energy extraction. Fervo's innovative horizontal drilling in geothermal reservoirs enables tapping into more extensive hot reservoirs than traditional vertical drilling methods. The next Fervo project in Beaver County, Utah, will supply clean power to the grid in 2026, reaching full production by 2028.