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Google: U.S. Should Go 100% Alternative Energy by 2030

‘Google says energy woes the result of “total failure of political leadership” and that alternative energy justification is simple math.’ -

Google has already made it clear that it wants to promote alternative energy in a big way as part of its “Don’t be evil” philosophy. Its initial round of funding included grants to solar and a high-altitude wind power startup. In its second round, Google granted $10M USD more to a couple of geothermal startups, looking to harness Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)—which involve injecting water deep into the ground to make steam.

Now Google has outlined a comprehensive plan to accomplish what the U.S. government and private business has thus far been unable to do—eliminate U.S. dependence on foreign oil and non-renewable energy sources.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt outlined the new plan at the Corporate EcoForum which featured executives from Coca-Cola, Motorola, Clorox, Microsoft, and other top industry players. In order to back his plan, Mr. Schmidt used a great deal of calculations. He says that the justification for adopting alternative energy boils down to basic math, with the formula energy efficiency = savings (or E2=$) being the key. He stated, “It’s just a math problem.”

His plan is for the U.S. to by 2030 adopt renewable energy sources for 100 percent of the country’s power generation. This would eliminate the coal-fired plants primarily used to provide electricity. Further, he says that in that time span half the cars need to be replaced with plug-in hybrids, like the Chevy Volt.

The math adds up, he says. The result will be to cut U.S. carbon emissions in half, which he says will help to avert man-made climate change. He says there are also great financial benefits to the adoption. He says the U.S. would save 97 percent of $2.17 trillion in energy spending over the next 22 years.

Alternative energy would add up to big in-sourcing of alternative energy design, production, and installation jobs as well, says Mr. Schmidt. According to his figures, there are currently 500,000 jobs in wind companies alone.

Google has invested in wind, solar, and geothermal thus far. Mr. Schmidt explained it is currently avoiding nuclear as it is unsatisfied with current response to security concerns, including physical terrorism or remote online attacks from foreign nationalists. Mr. Schmidt explains that once these concerns are properly addressed it will start investing in nuclear. Google is considering tidal and wave power as fourth or fifth investment plan.

While Google has recently filed patents for a floating barge, powered by the ocean’s mechanical energy, which could serve as a floating data center, it says it has no current plans to construct it yet. But, Mr. Schmidt adds, “You never know at Google.”

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