23 Nov 2011
Google has pulled the plug on a dedicated programme to drive down the cost of renewable energy as it looks to consolidate its various low carbon projects.
The internet giant kicked off its Renewable Energy Cheaper than Coal (RE < C) initiative four years ago with a pledge to invest in cutting-edge technologies capable of delivering low cost renewables.
However, the company officially closed the project yesterday along with several other IT services.
"We're in the process of shutting a number of products which haven't had the impact we'd hoped for, integrating others as features into our broader product efforts, and ending several which have shown us a different path forward," Urs Hölzle, senior vice president of operations, wrote in a blog posting.
"Overall, our aim is to build a simpler, more intuitive, truly beautiful Google user experience."
News agency Reuters reported that Google's clean energy Tsar, Bill Weihl, left the company in the last month, which could explain the company's decision to consolidate its clean energy programmes.
Google published the results of its research efforts online, arguing that "other institutions are better positioned" to further much of the research it had supported.
The company also rejected that the shift in strategy was evidence of a backing away from green issues, adding that it will continue with its planned investment of $850m in projects such as on- and offshore wind farms, biofuels, and roof-top solar, as well as in-house efforts to make datacentres both more efficient and more reliant on clean energy.
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WHAT DO YOU THINK? Add your comment
Be the change the world wants
Google, All corporates are money minded those who count the dollars at the end of the month to decide whether they do right or not. Google, is not a money minded corporate but than I see and many are seeing it as a one being the Change. I encourage you be the change to show the world how bold a corporate should be for the beneft of the world environment and not be mean money minded. Hope you would re-look at your green initiatives again and give a fresh start.
Posted by sudhakaran, 12 Dec 2011
You have reacted in haste, dear Google.
I am pained and disappointed at the news. You have taken this hasty action because you have not progressed in your endeavor to achieve the set objectives. You also know why? I suggest you analyze .the situation properly and you will realize that your approach could have been wrong. I am sure there are ways to achieve the target if there is strong will. Technology is available which could be cheaper by at least 50% but one has to have courage to explore new ideas. It is not going to cost you a bomb to try new ideas. It only depends on how serious you are. It is only YOU who has to decide. Best of LucK.
Posted by Hiro Chandwani, 25 Nov 2011