Google enterprises are in the process of investing in a wind power line that would run off shore that would stretch from New Jersey to Virginia. This power line would be located about 15-20 miles off the coast and is said to provide about 6,000 mega watts of power. This power would be utilized by major cities along the east coast. The company that Google is investing in is Atlantic Wind Connection or AWC which when complete would be the one and only offshore wind farm in the United States.
This project is very important to the east coast as well as the entire United States because of its implications and benefits that can come in the future. There is a little apprehension though; it is after all about a 5 billion dollar project that has a chance to not work out. It is a risky business move that Google is doing, many are saying that it is not the smartest decision that Google could be doing, but in the end there is a good chance of success and the ability to set a major precedent for the future.
I believe that Google is making a really smart decision in investing in such a momentous project. The ability to provide energy to almost 2 million households is a project that has such a lasting effect on the current and future renewable energy status in the United States as well as the entire world. Many other wind farm projects have been argued against because of their visual and audio affect on the surrounding communities. Projects have been battled because surrounding communities complain that offshore wind farms would disturb the ocean views. What is different about the Atlantic Wind Connection is that it will be located 15 to 20 miles offshore, a distance large enough to in no way affect the ocean views. This decision to have this monster of a wind farm is well thought out, the east coast of the United States is the perfect location for this kind of project. The area in which the turbines are to be installed is within the stretch offshore in which the water is still relatively shallow, which makes it much easier to install the turbines.
This is a risky decision by Google, but I agree that it should work out well. This isn't the first time Google has explored green energy. Two years ago Google patented underwater data centers that are powered by waves.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/09/google-floats-data-center-patent.php
I think this shows Google's dedication to the green energy movement. If a company as powerful and influential as Google will push green energy forward, it is only a matter of time before others follow.
I believe that Google has made a smart decision albeit risky. However, I feel that your blog post is lacking in detail. What inspired Google to invest in wind energy? Is this a controversial investment?
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note, offshore wind power is amazing and I find it incredibly interesting. Offshore wind power is being implemented world wide. Recently a large offshore wind project was completed in the UK. I feel that offshore wind power will be a successful form of energy generation and will become a popular choice for many countries.