Google is turning to renewable energy to meet the rising power needs of its AI data centres.
While nuclear power has gained attention recently, renewables seem to offer a more immediate solution, and could yet but the main source powering AI into the future.
Google has teamed up with renewable energy developer Intersect Power and investment fund TPG Rise Climate to invest $20 billion in renewable energy projects.
This will provide gigawatts of carbon-free power to support its AI operations.
Here’s what’s happening:
The project involves $20 billion for renewable energy and an $800 million equity investment in Intersect Power.
Each data centre will be matched with wind, solar, and battery storage for consistent power.
The first phase starts in 2026, with full completion by 2027.
No chill for nuclear
The projects will connect data centres and renewable power parks directly to the grid, making deployment quicker.
There are currently over 11,000 grid connection requests in the U.S., with capacity requests nearly double what is already installed.
This shows how important it is to improve grid connection processes.
Google’s focus on renewables offers a time advantage over nuclear energy.
For instance, Microsoft’s reactor restart at Three Mile Island is planned for 2028, and nuclear startups like Kairos and X-Energy aim for completion in 2030 or later.
By prioritising renewable energy, Google is setting an example for sustainable power solutions and showing how quickly these projects can support AI growth.
AI isn’t waiting for the 2030s, and neither is Google.