Google and Fervo Launch Innovative Geothermal Project to Power Data Centers with Clean Energy

Google has partnered with startup Fervo to unveil a first-of-its-kind geothermal project in Nevada. The initiative marks a significant step in Google’s commitment to power its data centers with carbon pollution-free electricity around the clock by 2030.

The geothermal project, with a capacity to generate 3.5 megawatts (MW), employs innovative technology developed by Fervo, distinguishing it from traditional geothermal plants. While larger in scale compared to residential solar installations, the 3.5 MW capacity serves as a relatively small yet impactful addition to Google’s clean energy portfolio.

To put the project’s size in perspective, one megawatt has the potential to meet the energy demands of approximately 750 homes. The energy generated by this geothermal venture will be channeled into the local grid, supplying power to two of Google’s data centers situated outside Las Vegas and Reno.

Google views geothermal energy as a crucial component of its future electricity mix, particularly for filling in gaps when wind and solar energy production fluctuates. Michael Terrell, Google’s Senior Director of Energy and Climate, emphasizes the pivotal role of companies in advancing technologies like geothermal. “If you think about how much we advanced wind and solar and lithium-ion storage, here we are — this is kind of the next set of stuff, and we feel like companies have a huge role to play in advancing these technologies,” Terrell states.

The geothermal project, initiated in 2021, is not a conventional geothermal plant. Instead, it is situated on the outskirts of an existing geothermal field, utilizing hot rocks where no fluid is present. Fervo employs two horizontal wells to pump water through fractures in the rock, generating steam at the surface. The closed-loop system allows for water reuse, a critical feature in the water-scarce region of Nevada.

In addition to the groundbreaking approach to geothermal energy production, Fervo has incorporated fiber optic cables into the wells to collect real-time data on flow, temperature, and system performance. These techniques, borrowed from the oil and gas industry, enable the efficient tapping of energy resources that were previously inaccessible.

Apart from the collaboration with Google, Fervo has garnered support from Bill Gates’ climate investment firm, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and the US Department of Energy. This project aligns with Google’s broader efforts to explore and implement sustainable solutions, with a recent partnership announced in September with the nonprofit Project InnerSpace to address critical challenges in geothermal development.

While geothermal projects offer a consistent electricity generation capability compared to weather-dependent wind and solar farms, Google remains committed to exploring additional geothermal opportunities for its data centers. The company’s pursuit of clean energy alternatives reflects a broader industry trend as data centers, notorious for high electricity consumption, seek environmentally friendly power sources, recognizing their responsibility in the global effort to combat climate change.