Overview
- The power package pairs 1,400 MW of wind and 200 MW of solar with a 300 MW/30 GWh Form Energy iron‑air battery described as the largest announced by energy capacity.
- The 100‑hour system is designed to provide multi‑day firm capacity to balance variable generation for the Pine Island facility.
- Xcel Energy will submit the Electric Service Agreement to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for approval before power is supplied.
- Costs are structured under a Clean Energy Accelerator Charge, with Google also committing $50 million to Xcel’s Capacity*Connect program to bolster grid reliability.
- The Information reported Google is paying about $1 billion for the battery, and Form says the units will be built at its West Virginia factory now ramping production.