Google to be powered 100% by renewables by 2017

Google’s data centres and offices will be powered 100% by renewables by 2017. The search engine giant said it will buy solar and wind electricity annually to run its global […]

Google’s data centres and offices will be powered 100% by renewables by 2017.

The search engine giant said it will buy solar and wind electricity annually to run its global operations.

The firm claims it is the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable energy as it has contracted to purchase a total of 2.6GW of green power globally through 20 agreements.

Last year 44% of its power needs were generated from wind and solar farms.

Google adds the decision makes business sense as in the last six years, the cost of wind and solar has falled by 60% and 80% respectively, “proving that renewables are increasingly becoming the lowest cost option”.

Urs Hölzle, Senior Vice President, Technical Infrastructure said: “Since the wind doesn’t blow 24 hours a day, we’ll also broaden our purchases to a variety of energy sources that can enable renewable power, every hour of every day. Our ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone — not just Google — has access to clean energy.”

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