Wind Power

While riding the metro to work, I read a Washington Post story about google financing a “superhighway” for wind power. I was uplifted by the story for a number of reasons. First, in the article, google acknowledges the enormous demands its company places on the electrical grid of the United States and plans to take a concrete action to reduce the impacts of its electricity generation. Second, it shows that a major company is willing to take a risk and potentially sacrifice profits on an initiative that will dramatically expand offshore wind power in the United States using a model that can be exported around the world. Finally, this is an example of how technology can be used to minimize impact in the I=PAT equation. By eliminating the need for transmission lines from offshore wind farms with the “wind superhighway” constructed on the continental shelf, google is using technology to lower America’s environmental impact.

While it might be even more encouraging to see google launch a conservation initiative in tandem with the wind power investments or new server technology that would consume less energy, this is a step in the right direction towards a clean energy future. For better or for worse, the actions corporations are vital in confronting the climate crisis and google’s actions will hopefully lead the way for a new era of businesses doing the right thing and protecting our environment.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/12/AR2010101202271.html