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Pier LaFarge

@pierlafarge.bsky.social

Reposted by Pier LaFarge

Jigar Shah @jigarshahdc.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

1/ The debate over the proposed Google data center in Hermantown doesn’t have to be framed as growth vs. community. There’s a smarter path: distributed capacity procurement + behind-the-meter batteries. 🧵

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Tech giant Google is behind controversial data center proposal in Hermantown | Jigar Shah

Following last week’s announcement with Xcel Energy/Sparkfund/Form Energy, Google has announced a data center partnership with Minnesota Power, at Hermantown. There is no new gas in the ESA but 300 M...

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Pier LaFarge @pierlafarge.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

My point is that DERs offer a cheaper path to doubling the capacity of the grid, particularly in terms of otherwise needed investment to upgrade distribution and transmission systems. But a cheaper path doesn't mean cheaper overall. The goal is to drive economic growth, manufacturing, AI, etc.

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Pier LaFarge @pierlafarge.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

You're spot on, I was saying that wrong. I really should just have used "vertically integrated". My point is that a central planning function that can price and model transmission, distribution and generation has an advantage. Where that entity gets its equity is less relevant.

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