Google Makes Large-Scale Wind Farm Investment-

The internet giant – Google – recently made its first direct large-scale renewable energy investment, contributing roughly $38.8 million in two North Dakota wind farms with a combined capacity of 169.5 megawatts (MW). The wind farms are being developed by NextEra Energy Resources – a division of the FPL Group and the largest wind power provider in the US. The wind farms will use present transmission capacity, and will generate enough energy to power 55,000 homes. Google’s green business operations manager, Rick Needham, confirms that the wind farms will operate using the latest wind turbine technology which will support systematic adjustment of individual blade pitch angles, large blades, and remote monitoring. In addition to this utility-scale wind energy investment, the internet group has committed its funds to producing renewable energy at a cost that is cheaper than coal and, through Google.org, is financing two solar and geothermal companies – eSolar and Altarock. Google also recently announced that it is working to develop better and cheaper reflective materials for use in solar thermal power plants.