Google Hermantown: 700MW Carbon-Free AI Data Center
Status: Announced / Permitting (ESA Signed) | Location: Hermantown (Duluth MSA)
Project Overview
The Google Hermantown Data Center is a massive 1.8 million-square-foot campus strategically located in the "Northland" of Minnesota. Officially identified as the owner on March 3, 2026, Google has partnered with Minnesota Power to develop a unique energy-resilient ecosystem. The project is designed to support high-growth AI services, including Google Search, YouTube, and the Gemini model training clusters.
The site's defining feature is its "Zero-Water" cooling commitment, a response to intense local environmental scrutiny. By utilizing the region's naturally cool climate, the facility will rely on advanced air-cooling or closed-loop systems, bypassing the need for millions of gallons of daily water withdrawal. Furthermore, the project serves as a catalyst for Minnesota’s green grid; the Electric Service Agreement (ESA) signed this week facilitates the addition of 700 MW of new carbon-free energy, split between 300 MW of wind and 400 MW of multi-day battery storage.
Quick Facts
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Project Name | Google Hermantown: 700MW Carbon-Free AI Data Center |
| Location | Hermantown (Duluth MSA) |
| Status | Announced / Permitting (ESA Signed) |
| Commissioning | Phase 1: 2027/2028 |
| Total IT Load | ~700 MW (Grid-tied commitment) |
| Total Capacity | 1.8 Million Square Foot Campus |
| Tier Level | Tier III+ (AI-Optimized) |
| Project Type | Hyperscale / AI Training & Cloud Hub |
City Profile
| Header | Details |
|---|
| City Name | Hermantown |
| Population | 13,000 (estimated, check local census data for accuracy) |
| Urban Agglomeration | 0,000 (approx.) |
| City GDP | $1.3 billion |
| Per Capita Income | $28,000 |
| City Tier | Tier 3 (based on population size and economic factors) |
| Key Strengths | Strong local manufacturing and retail sectors |
Companies Involved
| Header | Details |
|---|
| Developer / Operator | Google |
| Strategic Infrastructure Partner | Minnesota Power (ALLETE, Inc.) |
| Construction Contractor | Boldt / Mortenson (Regional Lead) |
| MEP Engineering | Syska Hennessy Group / HDR |
| Network Connectivity | Zayo / Consolidated Communications |
| Power Infrastructure | Minnesota Power (Arrowhead Substation) |
Technical Specifications
| Header | Details |
|---|
| Power Capacity | 700 MW (Total Site Commitment) |
| UPS Redundancy | $N+1$ with integrated 100-hour Long-Duration Storage |
| Cooling System | Zero-Water Consumption (Air-cooled/Closed-loop) |
| Connectivity | Zero-Water Consumption (Air-cooled/Closed-loop) |
| PUE Target | 1.12 |
| Energy Mix | 400MW Battery Storage + 300MW Wind (100% Matching) |
Milestones
| Header | Details |
|---|
| Announcement | March 3, 2026 |
| Construction Start | March 2026 |
| Phase 1 Go-Live | Targeted Q3 2026 |
| Full Buildout | 2027 |
Investment Details
| Header | Details |
|---|
| Total Investment | Estimated $1.5B+ (Phase 1) |
| Funding | Alphabet Inc. Corporate Capital |