Google supports solar and storage initiative at ex-coal mine in West Virginia.

Google buys clean energy: Google will purchase energy, capacity, and clean energy attributes from a solar-and-storage project at a former coal mine in West Virginia, announced last week by Google and its partners.
Project specifics: The Mammoth Solar project involves 86 MW of solar, 10 MW/100 MWh of zinc-based energy storage, and 70 MW/280 MWh of lithium-ion storage. The solar component is expected to be operational by 2028.
Regional impact: Google and its partners aim to match the project’s clean energy capacity with regional data center demands, addressing recent capacity cost spikes and fulfilling a significant shortfall in the PJM region.

Zinc battery significance: This project features one of the largest zinc-based battery deployments to date, markedly larger than most current installations, which typically have ratings of 1 MW or less.
Zinc battery advantages: Eos Energy uses a nonflammable zinc-based electrolyte that can economically discharge energy for over eight hours. This technology provides longer-duration storage capabilities compared to traditional lithium-ion systems.
Previous agreements: MN8 and Eos Energy previously agreed on supplying up to 750 MWh of zinc-based battery modules across various projects.
Strategic collaboration: Google’s collaboration with MN8 and Eos Energy aims to utilize next-generation storage along with solar energy to support its infrastructure, as stated by key executives from the companies involved.
Broader efforts: The initiative reflects a broader movement towards advancing long-duration energy storage technologies.
Clarifications: It’s important to note that MN8’s Mammoth Solar project is distinct from a similarly named project in Indiana by Doral Renewables.

Google is also investing in a major battery project in Minnesota, aiming for a 300 MW/30 GWh iron-air battery that could provide extensive long-duration energy storage capabilities. This aligns with Google’s ongoing procurement strategy for clean energy resources to support upcoming data centers in the area.