Google’s new 1.9GW clean energy deal includes massive 100-hour battery | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Tim De Chant

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Google has announced a groundbreaking clean energy deal that includes a 100-hour battery system using iron-air technology, marking a significant step forward for sustainable data centers. The company is building its first data center in Minnesota, powered by 1.9 gigawatts of renewable energy, including a 300-megawatt battery from startup Form Energy. This battery, capable of delivering power for 100 hours, will be the largest in the world and will store wind and solar energy to ensure the data center operates on clean power around the clock. Form Energy's iron-air batteries work by rusting and deoxidizing iron pebbles, generating electricity during discharge. While less efficient than lithium-ion batteries (delivering 50-70% of stored energy compared to 90% for lithium-ion), they are far more cost-effective, with a target storage cost of $20 per kilowatt-hour—three times cheaper than lithium-ion. This makes them an attractive solution for long-duration energy storage, addressing the challenge of maintaining renewable power supply during periods of low generation. The project also introduces a novel utility fee structure in Minnesota, allowing utilities to adopt clean technologies without regulatory risks. Known as the "clean transition tariff," this agreement enables Google to pay a premium to offset potential costs while ensuring ratepayers aren't burdened. The deal highlights the importance of innovative financial models in accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions. Form Energy's battery project is already underway in Minnesota, with plans to store 150 megawatt-hours and provide up to 1.5 megawatts to the grid at peak capacity. This partnership with Xcel Energy and Google represents a major

Verticals

techstartups

Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/24/2026