Google hopes to spawn world-wide renewable energy movement

Larry Page, Google Co-Founder and president of Products, said, "I believe that solar thermal technology provides a plausible path to generating cheaper electricity. By combining talented technologists, great partners and large investments, we have an opportunity to quickly push this technology forward." Today, coal provides 40% of the world’s electricity. Concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on global warming are of growing concern. Google believes clean energy sources will be good for future business, as well as mankind.

Timeframe Page believes the technology and implementation are possible within years, not decades. Google is looking to assemble a "world-class team," pulling in a wide array of scientists from many disciplines. They’ll get together to discuss and work out problems facing these technologies today. Page believes everything can be coordinated, including the physics, chemistry, mechanical and electrical engineering, land acquisition and management, power transmission and substations, construction and, of course, regulatory issues.

Progress Google is already hiring engineers and energy experts for this project. These include significant efforts toward solar thermal technology and a type of enhanced geothermal system, as well as other efforts. In 2008, Google expects to invest millions on research and development related investments in renewable energy. In addition, they anticipate investing "hundreds of millions of dollars in breakthrough renewable energy projects" in the hopes of generating positive returns.

Existing efforts Page indicated there are several efforts which have moved forward in these areas. He cited eSolar, Inc., a company specializing in solar thermal power. Another is Makani Power, Inc., that has been developing high-altitude wind energy extraction technologies, where the most powerful wind resources reside. According to Page, high-altitude wind energy has enough potential by itself to satisfy a significant portion of global electricity needs.

Clean Future Google’s announcement comes with a long-term commitment toward a greener Google. This ongoing effort will include increased energy efficiency in their data centers, a 1.6 Megawatt corporate solar panel installation, which will be one of the largest in the United States, the use of RechargeIT plug-in vehicles, their ongoing Climate Savers Computing Initiative, as well as new corporate policies which encourage the development and deployment of renewable energy.

More information A replay of the company’s conference call can be heard tonight at 11:30pm ET at 1-888-203-1112, or 1-719-457-0820 if calling from outside the U.S. Confirmation code for replay is 2205214. Read more on Google’s press release.