Google more than doubles electricity consumption in four years

No wonder nuclear power opportunities are surging.

According to Google’s latest sustainability reportthe global powerhouse disclosed a staggering growth in electricity consumption, with the company’s data facilities consuming 30.8 million megawatt-hours during 2024—a dramatic surge from the 14.4 million megawatt-hours recorded in 2020.

The computational infrastructure now dominates Google’s electrical appetite, representing 95.8 percent of the organization’s total energy requirements in 2024. This proportion has remained remarkably stable throughout recent years, underscoring how server operations have become the primary driver of the company’s environmental footprint.

That’s according to this article in technology.org.

Recognizing the limitations of efficiency improvements alone, Google has embarked on an ambitious diversification strategy across multiple energy sectors. The company has committed to sourcing electricity exclusively from carbon-neutral sources—a pledge that requires substantial investment given Google’s accelerating consumption trajectory.

Recent procurement activities demonstrate this commitment through significant renewable energy acquisitions.

1. The technology giant secured 600 megawatts of solar generation capacity in South Carolina during May, complemented by a 700-megawatt solar agreement in Oklahoma announced in January.
2. Additionally, Google partnered with Intersect Power and TPG Rise Climate for a $20 billion initiative targeting several gigawatts of clean energy infrastructure.
3. Google’s energy strategy extends beyond conventional renewables into advanced nuclear technologies. The company announced investment in Commonwealth Fusion Systems, coupled with an agreement to purchase 200 megawatts from their forthcoming Arc facility, expected to commence operations in the early 2030s.
4. Simultaneously, Google committed to acquiring 500 megawatts from Kairos Power’s small modular reactor program.