Technology
Google signs deal to purchase up to nearly one gigawatt of geothermal power from Fervo
The agreement commits Google to 396 megawatts from a Utah facility starting in 2028, with options for additional capacity to power data centers.
The short version
- Google agreed to buy 396 megawatts of enhanced geothermal power from Fervo's Cape Station project in Utah, with operations slated to begin in 2028.
- The contract includes an option for Google to purchase an additional 600 megawatts through June 2030 to supply a planned regional data center.
- The agreement aims to support Google's 2030 net-zero emissions targets while meeting growing power demand driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Key facts
- Google contracted to buy 396 megawatts of electricity from Fervo's Cape Station geothermal facility in Utah, scheduled to become operational in 2028.[TechCrunch]
- The contract grants Google an option to acquire another 600 megawatts of capacity through June 2030.[TechCrunch]
- Fervo holds permits to develop up to 2 gigawatts at Cape Station, while company leadership cited third-party engineering estimates indicating the site could support up to 4 gigawatts.[TechCrunch]
- Fervo's stock price increased approximately 30% following the announcement before paring some gains due to profit-taking.[TechCrunch]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Google will exercise its option to purchase the full additional 600 megawatts before the June 2030 deadline remains undetermined.[TechCrunch]
- The extent to which Cape Station can expand beyond permitted limits relies on third-party heat estimates that have not yet resulted in realized output.[TechCrunch]