Google Invests in Wind Power

A few months back, we told you about Google’s plans to set up a super-fast fiber-optic network that would make the fastest broadband packages available today look as slow as dial-up does today. Now it looks like they’re aiming at another home service: clean electricity.

Earlier this week, Google announced that they have made their first direct investment in a “utility-scale” renewable energy project, investing almost forty million dollars in a pair of wind farms in North Dakota. Together, these wind farms generate enough electricity to power over 55,000 homes, and that’s just their first investment.

Why would a search engine invest in renewable energy? Over the last few years, Google has grown from a humble search company into to a sprawling enterprise with (amongst other things) their own cell phone platform, their own Web browser, the aforementioned fiber-optic network idea, and lots of interest in philanthropic and renewable energy projects. The company's interest in renewable power goes beyond their own operations, with aims on pushing the whole planet towards sustainability.

Besides this recent investment in wind power, Google has already set up its own power company and a platform for those with smart meters to monitor their electricity usage, in addition to lobbying for clean energy innovation.Clearly, Google is serious about being a part of the coming green energy revolution, putting its money where its mouth is. It'll be fascinating to see how deep Google’s commitment is and how the company will continue to evolve.

In twenty years, what do you think Google will be primarily known for? I’m willing to bet most people won’t just say “it’s a search engine.”