Google going green – new geothermal energy plant opens in Nevada
Google has confirmed that its first geothermal power plant in Nevada is now operational, in an effort to power its data centers with clean energy and tackle climate change by reducing emissions.
Obviously the logistical and cost implications of powering its own sites directly make it virtually impossible for Google to do this, but by generating as much energy as it uses to pump back into the grid, the plan is intended to reduce the need to start up. fossil fuel burning stations.
The news comes two years after the tech giant announced it was partnering with clean energy startup Fervo.
Google uses natural resources
The company claims that this corporate agreement to develop an enhanced geothermal energy project is a world first, but while it claims to be at the forefront, it is hoped that other companies will take similar steps to reduce their impact on the environment.
The announcement cites a U.S. Department of Energy study that found the U.S. could generate up to 120 gigawatts of reliable and flexible geothermal energy by 2050, accounting for about 16% of estimated total electricity needs.
Google said the difference between Fervo and other companies is that the startup uses drilling techniques borrowed from the oil and gas industry to access otherwise hard-to-reach energy.
Michael Terrell, Senior Director for Energy and Climate at Google, said: “As we continue on our journey to 24/7 (carbon-free energy), we will continue to push boundaries, test new ideas and work with others to transform power. sector worldwide.”
Looking ahead, Google expects that its efforts to try new technologies and methods will be met with similar efforts to advocate clean energy policies among other companies and governments worldwide.