Google Chooses Geothermal For Data Centers - Good Climate News
Google has signed an agreement to power data centers in Nevada with clean, low-carbon geothermal energy, reports Reuters. The deal with developer Ormat will see 150 MW of new geothermal capacity come online between 2028 and 2030.
“…the agreement provides a scalable way for utilities and major users such as Google to invest in clean, reliable power while covering all service costs.”
2. EU Pushes Aggressive Green Steel Goals
The European Union (EU) plans an ambitious new target for low-carbon, green steel production, explains The Los Angeles Times. Under the new rules, 25% of all publicly procured steel must be green.
“Low-carbon steel uses scrap, electric arc furnaces, or green hydrogen. The automotive sector is positioned as a key buyer of EU-made green steel.”
3. South Africa Adds 1.6 GW Solar in 2025
South Africa is getting serious about solar, bringing online 1.6 GW in 2025, notes PV Magazine. South Africa has massive solar potential, but its power generation sector is currently one of the largest burners of coal in the world.
“…a new Integrated Resource Plan…aims for 28.7 GW of new solar by 2039 and is the first of its kind with zero new coal.”
4. Solar and Batteries Power Texas Through Winter Storm
The Texas grid survived a challenging January this year thanks to solar and batteries, heralds Canary Media. Despite predictions to the contrary, the massive amounts of solar and batteries added to the grid since Superstorm Uri in 2023 have made the grid more stable.
“Since Uri, the Texas grid has faced three major winter storms that each set new all-time winter peak demand records. In every case, the grid held. No rolling blackouts. No load shedding. No emergency curtailments. Demand kept climbing, and the grid kept delivering.”
5. Students Plant Trees for Climate Resilience
Elementary school students in Arizona are planting trees to capture carbon and boost climate adaptation, according to ASU News. The Canopy for Kids program will help kids plant 1,000 trees across 35 Phoenix area schools.
“…trees planted include palo blanco, mesquite, canyon hackberry, ironwood, palo verde, and desert willow — all native to the Sonoran Desert.”
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