Power
AEP plans $4bn fuel cell project for Google
American Electric Power has announced a major investment in a Wyoming fuel cell facility to supply Google with power.
Key points
- AEP plans to invest roughly $4bn in a 702MW fuel cell installation in Wyoming.
- Google has secured the output through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
- Construction is scheduled to start in 2026 with operations expected by late 2028.
What happened
American Electric Power intends to commit approximately $4bn toward a 702MW fuel cell initiative situated close to Cheyenne, Wyoming, according to Power Technology. The installation will rely on Bloom Energy technology, which converts natural gas into electricity without combustion. Google has committed to purchasing the generated electricity via a 20-year agreement.
AEP will maintain a controlling stake of about 92% in the project entity, Cheyenne Fuel Cell. Basalt Infrastructure Partners-advised funds will hold the remaining 8%. Construction work is slated to commence this year, with commercial operations targeted for completion by late 2028.
Project details
Bill Fehrman, AEP's chairman, president and chief executive officer, stated that the initiative addresses growing energy requirements by pairing new technologies with strategic partnerships. The design incorporates carbon capture systems to achieve near-zero emissions.
In separate developments, the US Department of Energy recently awarded funding to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for transmission upgrades, which includes matching funds from AEP. Additionally, AEP engaged Worley earlier in the year for engineering services related to a gas turbine project in Oklahoma.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Grids decide whether generation becomes power that homes and businesses can rely on. Generation mix, transmission and distribution losses, and tariffs together shape reliability and the case for investment.
91.9% of people worldwide had electricity in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
