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Google’s proposed Becker, Minnesota, data center was not simply put on a temporary pause: the project’s utility agreements ended in December 2022 after Google affiliate Honeycrisp Power missed a notice-to-proceed deadline, and construction never began. Google did not disclose why it pulled out. The proposed $600 million investment and job totals were estimates, not outcomes.
What was Google proposing in Becker?
The project was planned near Xcel Energy’s Sherco power plant in Becker, Sherburne County. In a January 2019 filing to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Google LLC supported Xcel’s request for electric service agreements on behalf of its affiliate Honeycrisp LLC. Google described the expected benefits conditionally: they would apply if the project moved forward.
Project materials described a facility of approximately 375,000 square feet on roughly 315 acres, with an estimated $600 million investment. That estimate was described as $300 million for construction and $300 million for equipment purchases; it was a proposal figure, not money spent. Google’s 2019 PUC filing projected at least $600 million in initial capital investment if built, nearly 2,000 construction jobs, and at least 50 permanent technology-sector jobs. None of those estimates became documented Becker project results because construction did not start.
Why did the project stop?
The documented sequence is that Honeycrisp Power did not give Xcel a notice to proceed by the deadline. Xcel terminated the electric service agreements on December 8, 2022. The Star Tribune’s December 21, 2022 report said Google gave no reason for pulling out. The missed milestone explains the contractual sequence; it does not establish Google’s internal commercial or technical rationale.
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Google told the Star Tribune: “While this project isn’t progressing right now, that doesn’t rule out engagement on projects in the future.” That statement left open the possibility of future work elsewhere or later, but did not say Becker would resume.
Was the $600 million investment made?
No. The $600 million was an estimate for a proposed facility, not completed investment. The projected construction and permanent job counts likewise should not be treated as jobs delivered. Google’s filing framed the figures as contingent on the project moving forward.
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- Keep critical network equipment secure: glass door and side panels are lockable to prevent unauthorized access; Front door can be installed on either side of the front of the cabinet to satisfy your door swing orientation preference
- Easy equipment configuration: Fully adjustable mounting rails and numbered U positions, with square holes for easy equipment mounting with top and bottom punchout panels for easy cable access
- Durability: Made of high quality cold rolled steel holds up to 110lb (50kg) (Easy Assembly Required)
- PCI & HIPPA and EIA/ECA-310-E compliant
What happened to Becker’s infrastructure work?
The Star Tribune reported that the Minnesota Legislature appropriated $20.5 million for Becker industrial-park infrastructure improvements, mainly water and sewer extensions. It reported that construction was occurring primarily in 2022 and 2023. The reporting does not establish whether all the work was completed, how much of the appropriation was ultimately spent, or how each improvement was used. The amount should not be described as money spent entirely on Google’s project or as wholly stranded after its withdrawal.
Is Google still planning data centers in Minnesota?
The Becker proposal is distinct from later Google-affiliate proposals listed by the Minnesota PUC for Hermantown and Pine Island. Those are separate locations and proceedings, not evidence that the Becker project restarted. The PUC explains that it reviews proposed electric service agreements for data centers, including impacts on ratepayers and reliable service, and provides for public notice and comment. Its current page lists the separate proposals and describes the commission’s role: Minnesota PUC data center information.
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