To meet the increasing demand on the power grid and encourage new technologies, Google announced a new fund intended to “incentivize organizations developing ideas to improve energy efficiency, workforce development, and technology to improve power grid reliability” as it expands its presence in Ohio.

Google currently has three data centers in Ohio, but it is not the only one coming to the Buckeye state. Together with Amazon, Google added almost 400 megawatts of data center capacity just in the greater Columbus area (which is the most capacity added to any city in the United States, according to Bloomberg). According to AEP, the addition of so many data centers will result in central Ohio consuming as much power as Manhattan by 2030.

Not only do data centers use large amounts of energy, they can distort power for nearby residents, which may cause electronics to run too hot, thereby causing motors in appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners to malfunction. Caroline Golin, global head of energy market development and innovation at Google, did not comment on whether the fund will address this power distortion, but said they will “ensure our data centers continue to provide community benefits to the overall system.”

Columbus Region Green Fund and Elevate, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on ensuring access to clean and affordable energy, is contributing to the $1 million in initial funding.

“Energy efficiency measures are key to help reduce and stabilize the cost of living for our community,” said Zach McGuire, executive director of the Columbus Region Green Fund. “Deploying energy-saving also creates new workforce opportunities for many who are looking for quality, good-paying jobs.”

No initiatives for the fund have been identified yet, but a request for proposals was issued in January. The goal is to reduce electricity costs for low-income residents, improve grid reliability, support energy workforce development and encourage companies like Google to continue investing in Ohio.

Although the fund is not expected to encompass nuclear power, Google entered into an agreement with Kairos Power to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors, which should be online by 2030.