Briefs: Securing Energy for Data Centers, EVs, and Industry

As information, transportation, and industry continue to electrify, companies are preparing for future needs by innovating power sources and products to deliver efficient, reliable energy. In Texas, Google has signed agreements in Texas and Nevada to secure power for its data centers. Aiming to improve batteries for electric vehicles and storage, Integrals Power validated its battery technology through independent testing, demonstrating high performance after 1,500 cycles and at extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, ABB has acquired Premium Power to strengthen its offerings for mission-critical industrial applications, such as data centers and medical manufacturing.

Preparing for future energy needs with renewable energy and batteries.

Google Secures 1 GW of Solar Energy from TotalEnergies in Texas

Google has contracted with TotalEnergies for 1 GW of solar capacity to power its data centers in Texas. The power purchase agreement (PPA) will provide 28 TWh of renewable energy for 15 years. The deal represents the largest PPA ever signed in the U.S.

The energy will come from TotalEnergies’ two solar farms under development in Texas, Wichita (805 MWp) and Mustang Creek (195 MWp). Construction on both sites will begin in the second quarter of 2026.

In separate previous PPAs, Google secured 1.2 GW from Clearway, a company 50% owned by TotalEnergies. Google will use that energy in Texas and other regions in the Northeast and Central U.S. TotalEnergies has a gross capacity portfolio of 10 GW of solar, wind, and battery energy storage, including 5 GW in Texas.

A solar farm in Texas. Image used courtesy of TotalEnergies

Google has two data center campuses in Texas, in Midlothian and Red Oak. Three more sites are under development, two in Haskell County near Abilene and one in Armstrong County in the Panhandle.

Google’s expansion and energy investment are part of a $40 billion plan to support its AI and cloud operations.

Google Deals for Geothermal Power in Nevada

In a related move, Google has secured 150 MW of geothermal power to support its data centers in Nevada through a long-term PPA between Ormat and NV Energy.

The agreement will enable the company to develop several geothermal projects from 2028 to 2030. The contract will begin when the first plant opens and stay in effect until 15 years after the final project begins operations.

Ormat’s McGinnis geothermal plant in Nevada. Image used courtesy of Ormat

The deal was made through NV Energy’s Clean Transition Tariff and is subject to approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.

Google has invested $400 million in expanding its data center campuses in Storey and Clarke Counties, Nevada. 

Tests Validate Integrals Power’s LMFP Cells for Durability and Robustness

In independent tests, QinetQ has validated the durability and robustness of Integrals Power’s rich-manganese lithium-manganese-iron phosphate (LMFP) battery cathodes after 1,500 cycles at a 1C rate. The pouch cell retained about 80% of its original capacity.

LMFP pouch cell at low temperatures. Image used courtesy of Integrals Power

A separate test by Cranfield University showed the LMFP batteries maintained 85% capacity at -25°C and 68% at -30°C. This performance outpaces other battery chemistries, according to Integrals Power. Typically, LFP batteries retain only 50% of their capacity, and LMFPs retain only 40% at very low temperatures. Integrals Power’s cathodes contain 80% manganese, whereas the average cathode in LMFP batteries is 60% manganese.

Integrals Power states that the batteries can last longer and function better under extreme conditions. They position the LMFPs as suitable for automotive, maritime, and defense applications.

ABB Acquires Premium Power To Focus on ‘Mission-Critical Industries’

ABB has agreed to acquire Premium Power, an electrical engineering consultancy in Ireland, to strengthen its offerings to mission-critical sectors, such as data centers and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where continuous, resilient power is essential.

Premium Power will add over 40 specialists in power systems, electrical safety, and power quality, including regulatory compliance, to ABB’s Electrification Service division.

ABB aims to expand from a hardware and service provider to a high-level strategic partner in system design and adaptation. The acquisition will allow the company to offer support throughout a project’s lifecycle and assist developers in “future-proofing” the electrical infrastructure of their designs.

The deal supplements ABB’s Navigate portfolio and will strengthen expertise in grid connection and compliance modeling, power quality assessments, and electrical risk management and safety.