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.

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