Google has announced support for the development of the Broadwing Energy Center, a gas-fired power plant in Illinois that will incorporate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This plant is designed to filter carbon dioxide emissions from its operations and store the gas underground to mitigate its impact on global warming.
The plant has a projected capacity of 400 MW and is expected to begin operations in 2030. Google plans to purchase most of the electricity produced by the facility. The company indicates that its goal is to advance CCS solutions while optimizing its energy consumption to address increasing demands, particularly from its data centers.
CCS technology has faced skepticism regarding its effectiveness and economic viability. A 2021 report from the Government Accountability Office noted that the U.S. Department of Energy has invested heavily in failed CCS projects, with only one out of several funded projects successfully coming online. Current costs for power generation using CCS are reported to be significantly higher than renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
The Broadwing Energy Center distinguishes itself by utilizing natural gas, which is currently cheaper than coal for electricity generation, and aims to permanently sequester approximately 90% of its CO2 emissions. However, the environmental implications of gas production remain a concern, including methane emissions from leaks and health risks from other pollutants produced during combustion.
While Google has been a leader in renewable energy initiatives, the current political landscape under the Trump administration has seen a reduction in support for renewable projects compared to CCS. As the company expands its AI and data center operations, questions regarding the sustainability and long-term reliance on fossil fuels remain pertinent in discussions about clean energy strategies.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/805682/google-data-center-gas-power-plant-carbon-capture