Google Powers Nevada with 150 MW of Clean Geothermal Energy

Google just made a bet on the earth itself to power its future, signing a major deal for geothermal energy that could reshape how tech giants fuel their operations.

Renewable energy company Ormat Technologies announced a long-term agreement with NV Energy to deliver 150 megawatts of new geothermal capacity for Google's Nevada facilities. The power will come from multiple new geothermal projects across the state, set to come online between 2028 and 2030.

Unlike solar panels that stop producing at sunset or wind turbines that sit idle on calm days, geothermal plants tap into the earth's constant underground heat to generate electricity around the clock. For tech companies running massive data centers that never sleep, this reliability is gold.

The timing couldn't be better. U.S. power consumption is climbing as artificial intelligence expands, with data centers hungry for electricity that doesn't quit. Traditional renewable sources struggle with this demand because they can't guarantee power every minute of every day.

Google's approach solves another common problem with clean energy deals. "We are utilizing a repeatable framework that fully covers all costs associated with our electric service," said Briana Kobor, Google's Head of Energy Market Innovation. This model could make it easier for other companies to invest in geothermal without worrying about hidden expenses.

The Ripple Effect

This deal signals a broader shift in how America thinks about clean energy. Geothermal is gaining momentum as a swift, carbon-free alternative that avoids the limitations of other renewable sources. Big Tech's massive energy needs are actually accelerating the buildout of this reliable clean power source.

Nevada is a natural fit for geothermal expansion, sitting on some of the best underground heat resources in the country. The deal will create construction jobs, ongoing operational positions, and economic activity in communities across the state over the next several years.

Investors noticed the news too. Ormat's stock jumped more than 4.7% following the announcement, showing Wall Street's growing confidence in geothermal's future.

The agreement proves that companies don't have to choose between their climate commitments and their operational needs. When Google's AI systems crunch data in Nevada after 2028, they'll run on heat that's been waiting underground for millions of years, finally put to good use.