Documents indicate Google plans to operate one of the largest data centers in the United States in southeast Nebraska, powered by a Tenaska natural gas plant that could generate up to 3,000 megawatts. The project, which may incorporate carbon capture technology, hinges on a state bill allowing private power plants to connect to the public grid. Tenaska has secured options on over 2,600 acres for the site.
Landowner Rick Wheatley in Otoe County, east of Lincoln, recounted a visit from a Tenaska representative last fall. The rep initially mentioned assembling 2,000 acres near a gas pipeline for a power plant to serve an AI data center before describing it as a business park. Wheatley declined to sell his 80 acres, part of family farmland used for corn and soybeans. Since December, Tenaska has agreements for over 2,600 acres under two LLC names, per county deed records. Neither Google nor Tenaska responded to comment requests. Tallgrass Energy denied involvement, despite documents naming it for gas supply and carbon transport. The documents, shared at a January public power district meeting, outline a combined-cycle natural gas plant of 1,000 to 3,000 megawatts, potentially online by 2029. At the high end, it would exceed Nebraska's largest plant. Google already operates three data centers in the state and has invested over $3.5 billion since 2019, supporting 13,300 jobs from 2021 to 2023. The project ties to LB1261, proposed by Governor Jim Pillen, which Tenaska supports. It would let private plants over 1,000 megawatts for large customers connect to public grids and sell excess power. Kenny Zoeller of Pillen's office said discussions involved multiple companies and public power districts, not just this project. Public utilities like OPPD acknowledged potential impacts but cited nondisclosure agreements. State Senator Myron Dorn signed an option for his 80 acres in Gage County and filed a conflict disclosure last week before bill debate, stating it benefits all landowners. The bill passed its first vote. Yale professor Kenneth Gillingham called the scale unprecedented for U.S. carbon capture and storage.
