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Google Plans 780-MW AI Data Center in Minnesota

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 11:27 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Google plans a 780-MW AI data center in Pine Island, Minnesota.
Google will fund 1,400 MW wind, 200 MW solar, and 300 MW battery with Xcel Energy.
After opposition, Google dropped an $80 million tax abatement and offered support for Hermantown schools.
Google must pay 75 % of contracted power if it ends the deal early.
If built, data center would generate $240 million in property taxes for Hermantown and St. Louis County over 20 years.

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Story summary

Google plans a 780-MW AI data center in Pine Island, Minnesota.
Google will fund 1,400 MW wind, 200 MW solar, and 300 MW battery with Xcel Energy.
After opposition, Google dropped an $80 million tax abatement and offered support for Hermantown schools.
Google must pay 75 % of contracted power if it ends the deal early.
If built, data center would generate $240 million in property taxes for Hermantown and St. Louis County over 20 years.