"http://spectrum.ieee.org/podcast/green-tech/wind/google-gambles-on-offshore-wind/?utm_source=techalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=110410" (Note: this is a podcast)
Google is making several calculated and risky bets on the future of technology. From computer-driven vehicles in California that do not require any driver interaction, to multi-billion dollar wind farms off of the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. Specifically, Google is targeting the Atlantic seaboard from Virginia to New England. There, Google is installing an undersea cable to transport, as of yet un-built energy from wind farms, off of the coast. Many believe that Google's continued push with large investments in wind energy will jump-start the off-shore wind market and position Google to hold a near monopoly on off-shore wind during the first few years of the initial boom.
Because of the new nature of offshore wind, the legislative procedure has not been formulated for this type of alternative energy. This has caused an 8-year lag between the time the Cape Cod offshore wind project was put-forth and the time it will actually begin construction (now). I believe that given Google's cash flows and sheer size and history for innovation, their push might be what the off-shore wind movement needs to spur quicker turnaround. Furthermore, Google cannot wait 8 years for a return on its investment and I believe Google will avidly push for off-shore wind. Companies like Google have realised that diverse investments and markets make them more viable over the longer term and provide for more profit options. Hopefulyl other companies will begin to think outside of the box and help make America the global alternative energy leader!
As the world becomes more digitized, Google will keep on becoming a more powerful and wealthy company. Their investment into wind energy, I think, will definitely help "jump-start" off-shore wind energy on to a larger scale. Google will certainly seek to maximize profits in an efficient timeframe, and I believe we will see Google investing into various developing fields showing promise. I think wind energy is great, but the latest claims that it has effects on the environment by affecting wind patterns is concerning and worrying. Nonetheless, this is just one of the results that must be considered in choosing an energy source. Does a change in environment and climate outway emissions is one of the issues to be considered. I think Google is taking some good and important steps into promoting and helping "green energy". I also think governments will prevent Google from becoming a monopoly on wind energy. It will be interesting to see once Google starts building their wind farms.
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