Google and Voltus expand deal to a 1-gigawatt virtual power plant
The Google-funded plant across the PJM grid region pools flexible capacity from homes and businesses, a 10-fold expansion of a 100-megawatt agreement from earlier this year.
AI illustrationGoogle and Voltus have expanded their agreement and plan a 1-gigawatt virtual power plant across the PJM grid region, the two companies announced on October 22. Google said the region serves 67 million people in 13 states and Washington, D.C.
Voltus pools flexible capacity from homes and local businesses, such as smart thermostats, batteries and industrial assets, into the plant, which Google funds. When demand peaks, those assets temporarily cut their energy use to support grid reliability. Customers who take part receive direct economic benefits, including bill savings and cash payments.
The deal builds on a 100-megawatt agreement from earlier this year, a 10-fold expansion. Google said it is one of the largest known distributed capacity portfolios deployed by a hyperscaler so far.
The company described the effort as part of its commitment to bring new capacity to local grids while strengthening regional reliability and affordability.