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Google Launches $20 Billion Renewable Energy Initiative to Fuel AI Advancements
Google have revealed a partnership with renewable energy developer Intersect Power and the investment fund TPG Rise Climate to generate sufficient renewable energy to power multiple gigawatt-scale data centres. The overall investment in renewable energy is estimated at $20 billion, with Intersect already funding the first project.
As part of the strategic three-party collaboration, Intersect Power will develop new clean energy infrastructure, with Google securing power offtake as the anchor tenant for newly constructed data centre campuses within co-located industrial parks. This ambitious venture aims to supply clean energy for gigawatts of data centre capacity across the United States and will be executed in multiple phases. The initial phase is set to become operational by 2026 and reach full completion by 2027. This collaboration underscores a significant step toward sustainable energy integration in large-scale industrial operations.
Google stated in a press statement: “The tri-party partnership brings a new approach that can enable US leadership in AI development, while thoughtfully building data centre load next to new additional power generation where possible – reducing both the timeline to operation and the amount of new transmission required.”
Google’s move isn’t solely focused on advancing cutting-edge algorithms or enhancing AI performance. It’s driven by a reality that can no longer be overlooked: AI demands an immense amount of energy. The scale is large, including massive neural networks, operating data centres and handling billions of real-time queries every second. These are not only remarkable technological achievements but also incredibly energy-intensive tasks. As AI models become more complex, their energy demands rise, increasing their environmental impact. As part of their broader commitment to sustainability, Google has pledged to power its AI operations with 100% renewable energy.
The Renewable Energy Institute is excited to announce its brand new Artificial Intelligence for Renewable Energy course. With limited spaces available on the upcoming Live Virtual Classroom, this cutting-edge course offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of AI and sustainable energy. Taught by an esteemed lecturer with extensive expertise, the course promises to provide valuable insights and theoretical knowledge for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Secure your place today!
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