Google bets on geothermal to power data centers in Taiwan

Tech Crunch - Apr 15th, 2025

Google has announced a significant step in its commitment to renewable energy by adding 10 megawatts of geothermal power to its energy portfolio in Taiwan. This marks Google's first geothermal investment in Asia, facilitated by Swedish firm Baseload Capital through a local subsidiary. Baseload Capital has been actively mapping Taiwan for geothermal resources since 2019. This move follows Google's previous venture with Fervo, a geothermal startup that connected a 3.5-megawatt plant in Nevada to the grid, supplying power to Google's data centers. The addition of geothermal energy in Taiwan reflects Google's broader strategy to diversify its clean energy sources and enhance sustainability.

The decision to invest in Taiwan is particularly strategic given the island's potential for geothermal energy, being located on the seismically active Ring of Fire. Taiwan is aiming to harness up to 6 gigawatts of geothermal power by 2050, aligning with its broader goals for renewable energy. This initiative not only supports Taiwan's ambitions but also underscores the growing interest in geothermal energy as a stable and sustainable power source. The implications of this development are significant, suggesting a shift towards leveraging Earth’s heat for sustainable power generation, which could transform the energy landscape in regions with geothermal potential.

Renewable Energy Google Taiwan Ring Of Fire Baseload Capital Geothermal Energy Fervo

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers Google's investment in geothermal energy in Taiwan, providing a clear and accurate depiction of the initiative. It excels in factual accuracy, timeliness, and readability, ensuring that the information is accessible and relevant to current discussions on renewable energy. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and a more balanced exploration of potential challenges or criticisms associated with geothermal energy. While it engages readers interested in technology and sustainability, the lack of controversial content limits its potential to provoke significant debate. Overall, the article serves as a solid informational piece but could enhance its impact by incorporating a wider range of perspectives and deeper analysis.

Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in its depiction of Google's geothermal investment in Taiwan. The claim that Google is adding 10 megawatts of geothermal power to its renewable portfolio is well-supported by multiple sources. Additionally, the involvement of Baseload Capital and its activities in Taiwan are correctly represented. The story accurately references Google's prior geothermal project with Fervo in Nevada, and the potential of geothermal energy in the U.S. is consistent with general expert projections, although this specific figure could use further backing. Taiwan's geothermal goals and its geological context are also correctly stated, reflecting a strong adherence to factual reporting.

Balance

The story offers a balanced view of Google's geothermal initiatives, focusing on their potential benefits and strategic importance. However, it could be more balanced by including perspectives on the challenges or criticisms of geothermal energy, such as environmental impact or economic viability. The article predominantly highlights the positive aspects of geothermal energy without delving into potential downsides or alternative viewpoints that might provide a more comprehensive picture.

Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to understand, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the main points. The language is clear, and the tone is neutral, making the information accessible to a broad audience. However, a deeper exploration of technical terms such as 'geothermal power' and its implications could enhance comprehension for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Source quality

The article appears to be based on credible sources, such as Google's announcements and reputable news outlets covering the energy sector. However, it does not explicitly cite these sources within the text, which could enhance its credibility. The reliance on Google's announcements suggests a strong primary source, but additional independent verification from industry experts or third-party analysts would further strengthen the report's reliability.

Transparency

The article provides clear information about Google's investment and its context but lacks transparency regarding the sources of its claims. It does not disclose the methodology for certain figures, such as the potential geothermal capacity in the U.S., which would benefit from more detailed explanation or sourcing. The absence of explicit source attribution reduces the transparency of the report.