Google, Facebook and Microsoft Corp. — three of the world’s biggest corporate buyers of clean power — are sounding the alarm that a nearly $4-billion, Warren Buffett-backed renewable-energy project proposed in Iowa isn’t necessarily in the best interest of customers, including them. But the big-name tech giants that operate data centers in the state warn the project, dubbed Wind Prime, could drive up electricity costs. AdvertisementPlus, companies pushing to decarbonize the grid are looking to be more strategic about when, how and where clean power sources are deployed. MidAmerican, based in Des Moines, proposed the project in January, laying out a sweeping plan for about 2,000 megawatts of wind power and 50 megawatts of solar generation. Regulators could approve MidAmerican’s proposed terms for the project, call for changes to them or reject it altogether.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 11, 2022 23:39 UTC