Geothermal energy in Nevada and new data centre in Malaysia

Google has partnered with NV Energy, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, to power its Nevada data centers with cutting-edge geothermal electricity. This groundbreaking deal, subject to regulatory approval, will nearly double the power output to 115 megawatts in about six years. The increased geothermal electricity will support Google’s regional operations and align with its goal of operating entirely on clean energy by 2030.

This collaboration comes at a time when technology companies are expanding their data centers to support emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Google’s commitment to sustainable energy is evident in its investments in clean energy sources, with 64% of its global operations already powered by carbon-free energy.

The partnership with NV Energy represents an innovative approach for companies with substantial electricity needs to source clean power in regulated markets. This agreement involves Google’s active participation in power generation resource planning and the development of a new rate structure called the Clean Transition Tariff.

To facilitate this deal, NV Energy has signed a power purchase agreement with Fervo Energy, an advanced geothermal developer. Geothermal energy is particularly significant as it provides reliable clean energy to complement solar and wind power. This initiative could serve as a model for other regions looking to transition to clean energy sources.

In a related development, Google has announced plans to invest $2 billion in Malaysia to establish its first data center and Google Cloud region in the country. This project aligns with Malaysia’s digital ambitions and is expected to create jobs and drive economic growth. Google’s strategic expansion in key global markets underscores its commitment to sustainable energy solutions and advanced data center infrastructure.

Overall, these developments highlight the importance of clean energy and advanced technologies in supporting the growth of AI and cloud services. Google’s initiatives in geothermal energy and global expansion demonstrate its dedication to driving innovation and sustainability in the tech industry.

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