Google's Investment- the Planet's Profit?

This week Google declared its intent to help fund an undersea power strip that would span the east coast from Virginia to New Jersey.  Why?  So that the consistent wind present off the coast of the Eastern United States can be harnessed and transported back to shore. 

Google says that their reasoning behind this project is two-fold.  One: they expect a return in their investment.  Two: it’s good for the environment.  No they aren’t an energy company, but if funding a pet project could be so beneficial, why not? 

Who knows, maybe Google’s initiative will be attractive to other companies?  Maybe Google just became the catalyst for the globe truly investing in renewable energy.  If even non-energy companies are willing to get behind it, shouldn’t everyone?  

No one really denies anymore that there is a problem with the environment and energy sources.  So why not part of the policy to fixing it involve project funding by companies like Google?  If one company can help fund a project to bring wind power to nearly 2 million homes, what would happen if many companies helped fund many projects? 

The idea is practical. The motivation for participating is already there: this is a wise investment in which your company will profit.  It will work.  2 million homes is kind of an impressive start.  It is fair.  Sure the companies aren’t just in it for the environment, but the environment does benefit.  And because Google is working with an energy company- Trans Electric- in the process, it’s not as if the energy giants are going to cry foul.  And as for alternative solutions…in the case of the environment and energy, multiple solutions are exactly what we need.  No one thing is going to fix the issue, but every little bit helps.  And this could be more than a little bit. 

It’s entirely possible that I’m being overly optimistic about the situation, but regardless of what other companies are thinking, if they are at all, Google’s plan could represent a perfect solution to the world’s environmental and energy problems. 


http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/05/technology/brainstorm_green_google_wind_electricity_cable/index.htm