Google has been investing in renewable energy sources for years. In fact, it is the largest corporate buyer of solar and wind energy, but despite its progress, the company has decided to raise the bar and aim for a 100 percent adoption in 2017 for all its operations around the globe. This includes data centers and offices, and beyond reducing its environmental impact, Google believes it is the right path to cutting costs.
Last year, Google (and by extension Alphabet) used renewable energy to cover 44 percent of its demand. Its commercial commitments amount to 2,600 megawatts, which also include a special 80 MW project in Chile. This puts Google well above other companies, including Amazon (1,100-1,200 MW), Microsoft and Facebook (500 MW each). But for Google, that is not enough. With a growing number of users on the Web and increasing pressure on infrastructure, the company is determined to optimize its position through a broader adoption of renewable energy.
A 100% renewable goal
What is the goal? 100 percent by 2017, covering all its global operations, from data centers to administrative offices. Google will buy and manage directly each electric unit it needs, as well as invest in new sources. This is not just about improving the 'green profile' of Mountain View. In its official publication, Google notes that the price of wind and solar energy has fallen by 60 and 80 percent respectively over the past six years, and the trend continues. This represents a benefit over time for Google, with more sources entering the market, and some stability in prices, which traditional energy does not offer.
Beyond wind and solar
Another interesting point to highlight is that Google has not closed the door to other technologies. Instead, it expects to sign contracts that include low-impact hydroelectric power, biomass (as long as its origin is sustainable), and why not, nuclear energy. Environmentalists may question the latter, but Google will consider all options that generate a lower carbon footprint. For now, that 100 percent is ambitious enough. Can it do it?
