UNITED STATES—Google announced on Tuesday, December 6 that they are planning to run entirely from renewable energy at the start of 2017. The company has spent the past decade negotiating and participating in deals with renewable producers and announced that its data and business centers all over the world will follow suit.
According to the New York Times, Google spent enough energy last year to equal San Francisco’s spending. The upcoming change will be beneficial in multiple ways according to Senior Vice President of Google, Joe Kava.
“We are the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in the world. It’s good for the economy, good for business and good for our shareholders,” said Kava. Google has pledged to purchase 2.6 gigawatts of renewable power.
Google computers will run on more than just solar power and windmills; they will also receive energy from power companies operating energy grids supplied by sources such as hydroelectric dams and coal. Computers are receiving power from solar contracts in North Carolina and Chile, as well a wind energy from the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and others. Google is able to plan accordingly each year because carbon-based power does not fluctuate like wind supply prices. Kava explained that the more energy they can purchase, the less expensive it becomes.
In addition to their recent announcement, Google explained that they will be releasing an Environmental Report to outline the companies progress as well as creating an environmental website for the public to view their efforts in reducing energy usage.
Google has indicated that their goal is to promote “green energy” for the entire world. According to an official blog post released on Tuesday by Google, once they reach the “100%” mark of renewable energy, they will continue to diversify their energy sources.
“We believe the private sector, in partnership with policy leaders, must take bold steps and that we can do so in a way that leads to growth and opportunity” said Senior Vice President of Environmental Infrastructure, Urs Hölzle.
