Google To Attain 100% Renewables-Sourced Electricity In 2017

Renewable Energy - Google

Google’s senior vice president of technical infrastructure says the company will reach 100% renewable energy for its global operations next year; making good on a goal Google set back in 2012.

“Today, we are the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable power, with commitments reaching 2.6 gigawatts (2,600 megawatts) of wind and solar energy,” said Urs Hölzle. This level would generate emissions savings equivalent to taking more than 1.2 million cars off the road.

Mr. Hölzle stated Google’s purchasing commitments so far will result in infrastructure investments of more than $3.5 billion globally.

As well as sourcing green energy, the giant of search has also been working on improving energy efficiency, and says it has made its many data centers 50 percent more energy efficient than the industry average.

Wind and solar power - Google

Some of Google’s many and varied wind and solar power investments we’ve covered in the past include:

Last year, Google nearly doubled its total purchases of renewable energy by entering into six new power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 842 megawatts (MW). This represented the largest aggregate purchase
ever made by a non-utility.

The company states it has been carbon neutral since 2007 and since 2009 has been reporting its carbon footprint to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

Last year, Google’s gross greenhouse gas emissions were 3 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, emissions that were offset through renewable energy and other programs.

Google has also been a strong advocate at a state, national, and international levels for solid clean energy and carbon policies.

“We have lots of progress left to make, but these achievements we’re announcing today feel like a breath of fresh air. Now, back to work,” said Mr. Hölzle.

More on Google’s energy and general sustainability efforts can be viewed in its recently released Environmental Report (PDF).

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