IURC Approves $1.3 Billion Solar and Storage Project for Google Data Center in Monrovia

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) has given its approval to AES Indiana's proposal for a $1.3 billion solar and battery storage project, including a new transmission line, designed to supply power to a Google data center in Monrovia. This significant infrastructure development, which will be entirely funded by Google, aligns with a 2025 state law requiring large data centers to cover at least 80 percent of their associated generation and transmission costs.

The project encompasses two standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with capacities of 200MW and 130MW, respectively. Additionally, a hybrid solar and battery system will contribute 130MW of solar power paired with a 130MW BESS. A 10-mile, 345kV power line will connect these facilities to a planned 1,200MW substation near the data center site.

Commissioner Joby Jerrells noted that Google's commitment to pay over 100 percent of the costs significantly exceeds the statutory requirement. The agreement between AES and Google is set for a minimum of 15 years and includes provisions to protect ratepayers from potential cost shifts if the project scope changes. This project highlights a growing trend of major tech companies investing directly in dedicated renewable energy infrastructure for their data center operations.