Xcel Energy secures 6 GW of data center load capacity with GE Vernova and NextEra Energy agreements. The deals reserve five F-class gas turbines, multiple gigawatts of wind capacity, and resources for generation buildout into the 2030s. Xcel aims to anticipate system needs and streamline development timelines for new data centers.
Xcel Energy reports over 2 GW of contracted and under-construction data center capacity, a 4-GW pipeline, and 20 GW of additional prospects. The capacity includes projects planned from 2026 to 2030, with full ramp dates to 2035. The pipeline matches large-load tariff filings in states like Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico.
Xcel Energy collaborates with GE Vernova on a strategic alliance agreement for gas and wind turbines, grid technologies, and grid systems. The partnership aims to enhance supply certainty, operational flexibility, and affordability. The agreement includes reservations for gas turbines and wind turbines, with Xcel planning several gigawatts of wind projects with GE Vernova turbines.
GE Vernova’s gas power equipment backlog and slot reservations grew to 83 GW in Q4 2025, driven by strong U.S. demand. The company secured agreements in the Middle East, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Approximately 40 GW represent firm equipment orders, while 43 GW are slot reservation agreements. Pricing on slot reservation agreements is running higher than existing backlog, indicating competition for gas turbine manufacturing capacity. GE Vernova expects a shift in order/reservation mix by year-end 2026, with around 60-40 split. The company booked 41 heavy-duty gas turbines in Q4 2025, with plans to expand manufacturing capacity significantly in 2026. GE Vernova remains confident in its long-term position despite emerging competition from smaller turbine providers.
Xcel Energy signed an MOU with NextEra Energy to deliver generation resources for large load customers, including data centers. This collaboration aims to support existing and new opportunities through improved collaboration on generation, storage, and transmission investments. NextEra Energy views data centers as a key driver in its infrastructure strategy, with plans to double its goal and deliver at least 30 GW through data center hubs by 2035. NextEra Energy secures gas turbine slots with GE Vernova to support 4 GW of gas-fired generation projects. The MOU between NextEra and Xcel Energy is non-exclusive, with key commercial terms agreed upon. Xcel Energy signed ESAs for over 2 GW of data center capacity, aiming for 6 GW by the end of 2027. Xcel Energy plans to invest over $60 billion in modernization and expansion of the grid over the next five years, with strategic agreements in place for renewable generation projects. Van Abel notes a $10 billion pipeline of additional investment opportunities, including generation RFPs and transmission opportunities in SPP and MISO.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: Xcel Energy Inks Dual Alliances with GE Vernova, NextEra to Support 6-GW Data Center Outlook, Generation Expansion