Google’s new Minnesota data center comes with the world’s largest battery—and won’t raise electric bills

Fast Company Tech

by Adele Peters

March 2, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Google’s new data center in Minnesota is setting a precedent for sustainable energy infrastructure by pairing clean power generation with a groundbreaking battery system. The project involves funding 1,900 megawatts of wind and solar energy to offset the facility's power needs while avoiding increased costs for local residents. Central to this initiative is Form Energy’s iron-air battery, which will store an impressive 30 gigawatt-hours of energy—more than all U.S. battery projects combined in 2024. This long-duration storage solution can provide power for up to 100 hours, addressing gaps in renewable energy supply during low-generation periods like winter storms. The battery’s modular design allows for scalability, with additional units simply added as needed. Form Energy has built its first commercial project in Minnesota, storing just 150 megawatt-hours, but the Google-backed facility will be significantly larger, delivering 300 megawatts of power. This marks a major step forward for clean energy storage technology and grid resilience, with the battery acting as a critical resource for stabilizing the broader grid. The project highlights how tech companies can lead innovation in renewable energy and storage systems while reducing reliance on outdated coal plants. Google’s approach not only supports its own operations but also sets an example for other industries to invest in clean energy infrastructure. The modular, scalable nature of Form Energy’s technology could pave the way for widespread adoption, helping to accelerate the transition to a more reliable and sustainable energy grid. For those interested in design and tech, this project showcases how cutting-edge engineering can solve real-world challenges. By proving that large-scale renewable storage is both feasible and cost-competitive with traditional methods like natural gas, Google and Form Energy are pushing the boundaries of clean energy technology. The success of this initiative could inspire similar investments from other companies, further driving innovation in sustainable infrastructure. While concerns remain about the rapid growth of data centers and

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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 3/2/2026