Google behind proposed Hermantown data center

Google has officially been identified as the company behind a massive data center project proposed for Hermantown, Minnesota. The facility, which could span 1.8 million square feet across 400 acres of forest and wetlands near Morris Thomas Road and Midway Road, is a significant development for the region. The announcement clarified that Google has entered into an Electric Service Agreement (ESA) with Minnesota Power to supply the necessary power.

Under state law, this agreement ensures that existing Minnesota Power customers will not bear the costs associated with establishing and operating the data center. Furthermore, Google has committed to supporting the development of 700 megawatts of new clean energy resources, comprising 300 megawatts of wind energy and 400 megawatts of battery storage. While the total power consumption of the data center remains unclear, Minnesota Power's Vice President of Strategy and Planning emphasized that the facility will connect to the grid and benefit from the utility's entire energy portfolio. Google will also contribute $5 million to boost Minnesota Power's energy affordability and efficiency programs.

Addressing environmental concerns, particularly regarding water use, Google issued a statement confirming the data center will utilize advanced air cooling technology, minimizing water consumption to only what's needed for kitchens and bathrooms. Hermantown officials have expressed excitement about Google's investment in the area. The data center marks another expansion for Google, which already operates or has facilities under construction in nearly 30 locations across the U.S., including two in Nebraska and one in Iowa in the Midwest.