Editor's note: From Google's investment into clean energy and storage tech to geothermal companies making big announcements, these are the top headlines that resonated with EnergyCapital readers on social media and daily newsletter this week.
Google to invest $1B in clean energy, data center tech in Texas
U.S. Congressman Jake Ellzey made the announcement in Dallas last week. Photo courtesy of Google
Google is making a big investment in Texas to the tune of $1 billion.
According to a news release from the company, the tech giant will spend more than $1 billion to support its cloud and data center infrastructure and expand its commitment to clean energy.
The $1 billion will be spent on data center campuses in Midlothian and Red Oak to help meet growing demand for Google Cloud, AI innovations, and other digital products and services such as Search, Maps, and Workspace. Continue reading.
California geothermal co. grows C-suite, grows presence in Houston
XGS has leased 10,000 square feet of office space in Houston. Photo via Getty Images
A geothermal company with its headquarters in Palo Alto, California, has named new members of its C-suite and, at the same time, has expanded its operational footprint in Houston.
XGS Energy promoted Axel-Pierre Bois to CTO and Lucy Darago to chief commercial officer. Darago is based in Austin, and Bois, from France, lists his role as based in Houston on LinkedIn. Both have worked at XGS since February of last year.
“Axel and Lucy’s proven operational excellence and technical knowledge has helped propel XGS forward as we enter our next phase of growth,” Josh Prueher, CEO of XGS Energy, says in a news release. “I’m thrilled to have them both join XGS’ C-suite and have their support as we continue to grow our team, further advance our next-generation geothermal technology, and invest in our multi-gigawatt project pipeline.” Continue reading.
Houston clean energy storage facility goes online to power ERCOT grid
Jupiter Power's Callisto I is up and running. Photo courtesy of jupiterpower.io
A new battery energy storage facility in Houston is officially up and running to power the ERCOT grid with a supply of reliable, zero emissions power.
Jupiter Power announced the commercial operations launch of its 400-megawatt-hour battery facility, Callisto I, in central Houston on the site of the former HL&P H.O. Clarke fossil fuel power plant.
"Jupiter couldn't be prouder about bringing the Callisto I project online," Andy Bowman, CEO of Jupiter Power, says. Continue reading.
Houston geothermal startup selects Texas location for first energy storage facility
Houston startup Sage Geosystems has tapped a utility provider for an energy storage facility in the San Antonio metro area. Photo via sagegeosystems.com
Houston-based geothermal energy startup Sage Geosystems has teamed up with a utility provider for an energy storage facility in the San Antonio metro area.
The three-megawatt EarthStore facility will be on land controlled by the San Miguel Electric Cooperative, which produces electricity for customers in 47 South Texas counties. The facility will be located in the town of Christine, near the cooperative’s coal-fired power plant.
Sage says its energy storage system will be paired with solar energy to supply power for the grid operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The facility is set to open later this year. Continue reading.
Investor acquires majority stake in Houston energy storage, CCS co.
Caliche says Sixth Street’s backing will enable it to expand its Golden Storage Triangle complex. Photo via calichestorage.com
Investment firm Sixth Street has purchased a majority stake in Houston-based Caliche Development Partners, which focuses on buying, developing, and operating natural gas and gas storage facilities along with carbon sequestration projects.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
The deal includes Caliche’s Golden Triangle Storage facilities and carbon sequestration project in Beaumont, and its Central Valley Gas Storage facilities in Princeton, California. Continue reading.