Google has signed a 150MW geothermal Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with geothermal developer, Ormat Technologies in Nevada. The deal, signed between Ormat and Nevada public utility NV Energy, is expected to support Google’s data center operations in the state. It was signed as part of NV Energy’s Clean Transition Tariff (CTT). Moreover, the PPA covers a multi-project portfolio of geothermal assets. The CTT is a pathway created by NV Energy that allows utilities and large energy users like Google to invest in advanced generation technologies.

Furthermore, they can do this while fully covering all costs associated with their electric service. “The momentum of the Clean Transition Tariff through this agreement with NV Energy, Google, and Ormat demonstrates a proven, scalable model for large customers to partner with utilities and technology providers to bring new clean capacity to the grid,” said Briana Kobor, head of Energy Market Innovation, Google. Over the past few years, Google has put efforts in renewable energy to support its data center advancements. One of the most recent and significant ones is the 1GW solar power agreement with TotalEnergies.  

Scope on the Google-Ormat 150MW Geothermal PPA

The Google-Ormat geothermal PPA is subject to approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN), which is expected in the second half of 2026. Once approved, the PPA will enable the establishment of a portfolio structure. Afterwards, it will Google to develop a series of new geothermal projects across the Nevada market, according to Ormat. The projects will be added to the generation portfolio upon reaching commercial operations, with the first projects expected to be energized as early as 2028 and continuing through 2030.

The PPA will come into force when the first project within the portfolio reaches commercial operations. Moreover, it will extend 15 years beyond the final project’s commercial operation date. “By adding up to 150MW of new clean-firm geothermal capacity in Nevada, we are utilizing a repeatable framework that fully covers all costs associated with our electric service, ensuring the CTT insulates other ratepayers while strengthening the reliability of the local power system,” Briana noted. Google seems to be making an innovative approach through using geothermal PPAs to secure energy.

In June 2024, the hyperscaler signed an agreement with Fervo Energy to support the development of 100MW of geothermal power in Nevada. Ormat Technologies is one of the largest geothermal developers in the US. Last month, it signed a 20-year PPA with data center operator Switch to supply the company with 13MW of power. The company has also lent its backing to enhanced geothermal systems company Sage Geosystems.

Project Overview

• 150MW geothermal PPA for data center operations.
• Parties: Google, Ormat Technologies, NV Energy.
• Structured under NV Energy’s Clean Transition Tariff (CTT).

Location

• Nevada, United States.

Capacity

• Total: 150MW geothermal power.
• Clean, firm baseload supply.

Scope

• Multi-project geothermal portfolio.
• Projects added as they reach operations.

Timeline

• Approval expected: H2 2026.
• First power: 2028.
• Full rollout: 2028–2030.

Contract Terms

• Starts at first project operation.
• Duration: 15 years after final project online.

Key Developers / Contractors

• Off-taker: Google
• Developer: Ormat Technologies
• Utility: NV Energy

Technology

• Geothermal generation.
• Supports continuous data center loads.

Regulatory Status

• Subject to PUCN approval.

Related Developments

• 100MW geothermal deal with Fervo Energy (2024).
• 13MW PPA with Switch.
• Collaboration with Sage Geosystems.

Significance

• Expands clean energy for data centers.
• Improves grid reliability in Nevada.