AEP plans 702 MW Bloom fuel cell plant near Cheyenne to supply Google under a 20-year PPA
What changed
American Electric Power said on 14 October 2026 that it plans to invest about 4 billion USD in a 702 MW fuel cell generation project near Cheyenne, Wyoming, under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Google. Google buys power from Cheyenne Fuel Cell, LLC, which AEP owns about 92% of, with nearly 8% held by funds advised by Basalt Infrastructure Partners. The plant uses Bloom Energy fuel cells, construction is planned to start in 2026 and full operation is expected by the end of 2028. AEP says the project includes plans to integrate carbon capture. It follows agreements between Google and Black Hills Corp. that took effect on 30 September.
Why it matters Editorial analysis
This is a utility building dedicated fuel cell generation for one large load outside its traditional service territory, so on-site and near-site generation is becoming a utility product, not only a developer workaround. The 702 MW is generation capacity, not the data centre's IT load, and the investment figure is AEP's own estimate. Buyers should watch how the carbon capture plan and fuel supply are firmed up, since both are still plans.
Questions a buyer should ask
- Is the 702 MW sited at the data centre campus or connected to it through the grid, and what backup covers fuel cell maintenance?
- What fuel supply and pipeline capacity is contracted for the plant?
- When does the carbon capture element start, and what share of emissions would it cover?
Read the original: American Electric Power: AEP plans 702 MW Bloom fuel cell plant near Cheyenne to supply Google under a 20-year PPA (opens in a new tab)
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Related records
- Supplier Bloom Energy
- Technology Backup power and energy storage
- Operator Google
- Category Gensets & On-site Power suppliers
A supplier link means the company is named in the story or offers this kind of product. It does not mean a contract unless the story says so.