Google has announced a major partnership with renewable energy developer Intersect Power and investment firm TPG Rise Climate, marking a significant step in its efforts to power its energy-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) data centers with clean energy. The deal, revealed on Tuesday, will deliver gigawatts of carbon-free power, alongside battery storage systems and grid upgrades, to meet the growing energy demands of its global data centers.
The tech giant is set to invest a staggering $20 billion into the renewable infrastructure, with Intersect Power already securing financing for the first project. In addition, Google is part of an $800 million equity round for Intersect Power, which is being led by TPG, with further contributions from CAI, Greenbelt Capital Partners, and Google itself.
The ambitious plan underscores the pressure facing technology companies as they scale up their AI operations. Industry experts warn that existing power supplies may struggle to keep pace with AI-driven energy demands, with some predicting shortages as early as 2027. In response, firms such as Google are racing to secure new sources of renewable energy to support their vast data center networks.
Google and Intersect Power will implement the project in phases, with the first operational by 2026 and full completion expected by 2027. The timeline highlights the accelerating pace at which large-scale renewable energy projects can be deployed to meet the surging energy needs of AI infrastructure.
The announcement comes amid growing interest in renewable energy across the United States. According to Interconnection.fyi, there are currently 11,860 active requests from energy producers seeking to connect to the national grid, representing a combined 2.05 terawatts of capacity — nearly double the country’s existing installed power base. The majority of these pending projects involve solar energy and battery storage, reflecting a broader shift towards clean, sustainable energy sources.
For Google, the move marks a critical step in achieving its ambitious climate goals while securing the resources required to power the next generation of AI advancements.
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