Google is trying to build a mega data center in Silicon Valley
Google is seeking approval to connect a 250-megawatt data center in San Jose to PG&E's grid. The California Public Utilities Commission has repeatedly postponed a vote while considering whether Google should pay up to $150 million toward infrastructure upgrades, amid concerns about electricity costs, water use and community impacts.
Google is pursuing grid interconnection for a 250-megawatt data center in San Jose, a facility whose electricity demand would be roughly comparable to the entire load of Marin County. PG&E says the required upgrades were already planned and would benefit thousands of homes and businesses, while a utility watchdog representative said the project could set a precedent for how large electricity customers pay for grid improvements.
The California Public Utilities Commission has repeatedly delayed a vote on the agreement. A draft resolution could require Google to make an upfront payment of $600,000 per megawatt, or as much as $150 million, to shield other ratepayers from potentially bearing the cost of upgrades. Google says the site will also include research and development facilities and is expected to primarily use recycled water.
Sacramento retiree Laureen Anderson and other California residents oppose or seek tighter oversight of data centers, citing water consumption, electricity demand and possible effects on communities and the environment. The commission is also considering broader Rule 30 standards for connecting large electricity customers to the transmission grid, meaning its decision could influence future data center projects.