Google Has Eyes on Minnesota For New Data Center

Becker, MN (Learfield News Service) - Google is reportedly considering the central Minnesota community of Becker for a new 600-million-dollar data center.

A filing with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission says Xcel Energy has been working on the proposed project for two years.

The Google facility would be built on land owned by Xcel Energy and powered by two dedicated wind farms. The utility says because data centers consume a lot of energy, the proposed Google facility would be one of Xcel's five largest electric customers in Minnesota.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development estimates the project would create about 2,000 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions.

Xcel says it would help transition the surrounding area from reliance on the Sherco coal-fired power plant to renewable energy sources.