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

July 16, 2026
Zero-E has received 5.3.4A Connection Approval for the 145MWac Moranbah solar-plus-storage site in Queensland.
July 16, 2026
Harmony Energy New Zealand has energised the 202MWp Tauhei solar PV power plant near Te Aroha in the Waikato region.
July 16, 2026
Australia will move to ensure large-scale data centres are required to put at least as much green energy into the grid as they draw from it.
July 15, 2026
PureSky Energy, ClearGen Holdings and Aligned Climate Capital have advanced distributed solar projects in the US this week.
July 15, 2026
Solar power saved the European Union €20 billion (US$22 billion) in gas imports between 1 March and 15 July, according to SolarPower Europe.
July 15, 2026
The chief executive of fledgling US module and cell producer T1 Energy has highlighted his company’s efforts to forge local component manufacturing partnerships and tap homegrown engineering talent.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
Solar Media Events
November 3, 2026
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye