Google’s data center power playbook comes into focus

Google announced a deal with Michigan utility DTE to add 2.7 gigawatts of new power resources in suburban Detroit for a new data center, following a similar deal with Xcel Energy in Minnesota. The plan includes 1.6 GW of solar, 400 MW of energy storage, and 300 MW of unspecified 'clean resources,' using Google's Clean Transition Tariff to pay premiums for preferred power types. Google also launched a $10 million Energy Impact Fund to help reduce local utility bills, though questions remain about whether natural gas is included in the 'clean resources' category.