Google, Intersect launch 1GW-plus clean energy-backed data centre project in Texas

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The Meitner Energy Centre, located across the Gray and Roberts Counties, will combine a Google data centre with more than 1GW of co-located wind, solar and storage capacity. Image: Intersect Power.

Tech giant Google and US renewable energy developer Intersect have partnered to develop a new data centre and energy complex in Texas. 

The Meitner Energy Centre, located across the Gray and Roberts Counties, will combine a Google data centre with more than 1GW of co-located wind, solar and storage capacity. The facility is under construction. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

According to the companies, the facility will employ a “power-first” development model, whereby new energy generation is built alongside the data centre to meet a substantial portion of its electricity demand from the outset.  

The site will draw most of its power from co-located renewable energy assets from the first day of operation, with a smaller share supplied by on-site gas generation to provide firming capacity and maintain operational reliability. 

“Our newest investment in Gray County deepens our partnership with Texas—a state that continues to lead with innovation and vision,” said Andrew Hart, regional head of data centre public affairs, Google. “We are excited to become a part of the community. More than just building a data centre, our goal is to be a good neighbour, which starts on day one by investing in local priorities, protecting water and energy resources, and working with residents to build a strong future together.”    

Alongside energy supply concerns, water use has emerged as a key issue for new data centre developments. Google said the Gray County facility will utilise advanced air-cooling technology, significantly reducing operational water demand compared with conventional evaporative cooling systems.  

Additionally, the tech giant plans to establish the Caprock Workforce Hub, an 800-acre residential facility in nearby Wheeler County capable of housing up to 3,500 construction workers. 

The announcement comes amid mounting scrutiny of the power demands associated with hyperscale data centre expansion across the US, particularly in regions experiencing rapid growth in AI workloads. 

Google said the project would add dedicated energy capacity rather than relying solely on existing grid resources, helping to reduce pressure on local electricity infrastructure. 

The facility is the second major co-located energy and data centre project announced by Google and Intersect. Their first collaboration, centred on Intersect’s Quantum Clean Energy Project in Haskell County, combines 640MW of solar capacity and 1.3GWh of battery storage with a data centre campus.

In a bid to power its data centre expansions in the US, Google acquired Intersect Power in March 2026. The tech giant completed its US$4.75 billion purchase of asset manager TPG Rise Climate’s share of Intersect, closing a transaction that began in December 2025

Read Next

June 5, 2026
Naturgy's Global Power Generation (GPG) has commissioned two utility-scale solar PV power plants in Australia, totalling 360MW.
June 5, 2026
The Western Australian government has allocated AU$17.8 million (US$12.7 million) in its 2026-27 State Budget to build the state's capacity to recycle solar modules and embedded batteries, under its Remade in WA programme.
June 5, 2026
Frontier Energy has secured firm commitments for an AU$110 million equity raising for the 132MW first stage of its Waroona project in WA.
June 4, 2026
Inox Clean Energy has acquired Vena Energy India's 6GW renewable energy portfolio, expanding its operating capacity and project pipeline. 
June 4, 2026
The opening of this week’s SNEC show in Shanghai was marked by a shared recognition of the need for China’s PV industry to move beyond unchecked capacity expansion and brutal competition, writes Carrie Xiao.
Premium
June 4, 2026
Global Solar Council CEO Sonia Dunlop highlights the pressing need for concerted action to prepare for the coming wave of PV decommissioning and help the industry achieve its goal of circularity.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026