Google: The G is for Gigawatt

Thank you Google!  Google is investing in alternative energies…and not like kinda investing…like holy sh!+!  The official Google blog states, “we’re seeking to accelerate the pace at which clean energy technologies are developing, so they can rival the economics of coal quickly. “ They aren’t being selfish.  They are looking to change the world.  Really. 

The blog goes on to read, “Our goal is to build 1 gigawatt of renewable energy capacity that is cheaper than coal. We are optimistic that this can be done within years, not decades. If we succeed, it would likely provide a path to replacing a substantial portion of the world’s electricity needs with renewable energy sources.”

What are the first steps?  “The newly created initiative, known as RE<C, will focus initially on advanced solar thermal power, wind power technologies, enhanced geothermal systems and other potential breakthrough technologies.”   RE<C stands for Renewable Energy Cheaper Than Coal.  I like the geek-speak acronym. 

Google has been working towards being carbon neutral in 2007 - and they’re just about there with the massive 1.6 megawatt solar installation - one of the largest in the U.S.  Now they are spending billions on the future of not only R&D for themselves, but for everyone.  Hopefully with the forces behind Google, they can bring down the cost of solar and wind energy for the average homeowner. 

Everyone should have the opportunity to survive off of clean, renewable energy.  It’s just too pricey right now.

Thanks, Google.

Source: Google Blog, Google Press Center, Google Green Energy