Alphabet revealed plans Monday to purchase Intersect, a clean energy and data center developer, for $4.75 billion in cash plus debt. The move targets a critical constraint facing AI companies today: reliable power infrastructure.
Alphabet Inc., GOOGL
The deal marks an escalation in Big Tech’s race to secure energy resources. As generative AI models demand more computing power, electricity consumption has soared beyond what existing grids can handle comfortably.
Intersect builds facilities that place renewable energy generation directly alongside data centers. This co-location model eliminates dependence on strained power grids and speeds up deployment timelines.
The companies weren’t strangers before this announcement. Alphabet and TPG Rise Climate invested over $800 million in Intersect just last December. Google already owned a minority position in the firm.
Intersect currently manages $15 billion in assets either operational or under construction. By 2028, the company projects about 10.8 gigawatts of capacity online or in development. For context, that exceeds the Hoover Dam’s output by more than 20 times.
The portfolio spans solar installations, wind farms, and battery storage systems. These projects address three major bottlenecks for tech firms: power availability, suitable land, and construction speed.
In Texas, Intersect built Quantum, a clean energy storage facility positioned right next to a Google data center campus. This project exemplifies the integrated approach Alphabet is buying into.
Not every Intersect asset transfers to Alphabet. Operating facilities in Texas will remain separate. Projects in California, both existing and planned, also stay outside the deal.
These excluded assets will continue as an independent business backed by Intersect’s current investors. The arrangement lets Alphabet focus on projects that directly support its operations while allowing Intersect to maintain other client relationships.
Intersect will keep its brand and leadership structure. Founder Sheldon Kimber stays as CEO. However, the company will coordinate closely with Google’s infrastructure teams moving forward.
The transaction should close during the first half of 2026, pending standard regulatory approvals.
This acquisition follows other energy-focused deals by Alphabet. Earlier in December, Google Cloud expanded its partnership with NextEra Energy to develop new power supplies across U.S. operations.
These agreements reflect how AI development has shifted corporate priorities. Computing capacity now depends heavily on securing dedicated energy sources rather than simply leasing data center space.
CEO Sundar Pichai framed the purchase as supporting both company growth and national interests in energy and technology development.
Alphabet shares traded at $309.78 Monday, finishing slightly higher. Wall Street analysts rate the stock a Strong Buy with a consensus price target of $326.41, suggesting upside from current levels.
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