What Google’s virtual power plant in PJM says about the race for electricity

Google is building a $15 billion data center in Visakhapatnam, India, aiming to transform the city into an AI hub. Local residents raise concerns about water usage, land acquisition, and lack of transparency. The project offers economic growth potential but faces environmental and regulatory scrutiny.

Accenture Federal Services and Google Public Sector launched Gemini Launchpads to help federal agencies deploy AI agents while meeting strict compliance requirements. The initiative includes a 1,000-person workforce and pre-built agents for common functions. The partnership aims to address infrastructure bottlenecks and prepare agencies for upcoming regulatory deadlines, with Google providing infrastructure and Accenture offering domain expertise.

The US Supreme Court rejected Google's challenge to a US Patent and Trademark Office rule that limits reviews of patents over six years old. Google argued the rule, which it claims favors older patents, has increased patent litigation. The court declined to review the policy, which Google says exceeds the agency's authority. The case involved a patent held by VirtaMove, which accused Google of infringement.

Google plans to build a 780-MW AI data center in Pine Island, Minnesota, aiming to finance 1,400 MW of wind, 200 MW of solar, and 300 MW of battery storage for Xcel Energy's grid. The deal, pending approval, includes commitments from Google to pay for unused capacity, ensuring infrastructure investment. Google's cloud business reported $25B in Q2 revenue, up 82% YoY. Critics suggest smaller data centers could utilize existing grid capacity more efficiently, reducing costs for all customers.

Google will invest $399 million in a 702 MW fuel cell project near Cheyenne, Wyoming, under a 20-year power purchase agreement with AEP. AEP plans to invest $4 billion, with construction starting in 2026 and operation expected by 2028. Google's data center will be served by a total resource mix of 2.7 GW, including reserve margins, with Black Hills Corp. managing the output. Google bears all costs, and the agreements run through 2048.

Berkshire Hathaway, led by Greg Abel, increased investments in Alphabet and Delta Air Lines, and repurchased $4.5 billion of its own stock in Q2. Abel's strategy aligns with Buffett's value-focused approach, with Berkshire holding $359.2 billion in cash and short-term investments post-purchases. Berkshire's buybacks follow a rule where shares are repurchased only when below intrinsic value, with average prices of $476.01 in May and $487.98 in June.