Google has recently agreed to fund a new project that will build wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean. There would then be underwater cables that would transport the energy from the ocean to the east coast of the U.S. (Efrati). This same concept on a much smaller level has been applied to other places in our country. The amount of energy that will be produced will have the ability to power about 1.9 million houses with clean energy. The total cost, according to the New York Times, will be about $5 billion. Google refused to comment on what they believed would be the estimated cost (Efrati). This project is the first major step in our nation’s switch to wind as alternative energy. Many states such as California, Texas, and Iowa, have started smaller wind plant projects that have helped provide enough energy to reduce their intake of oil for energy. However, the new Atlantic Wind Connection can provide more wind energy than most would have expected and is ideal for our need to assert independence from foreign oil.
The turbines will be located about 10-15 miles offshore in an area where the water is not as deep so they will be easy to install (Efrati). This will also make them invisible to people on the shore of the east coast. This factor would be very important in this project because the reoccurring problem with the production of windmills in the past has been residents not approving of the appearance. Also, wind tends to be stronger further offshore anyways, so it is actually beneficial to have them further out where they could produce more energy. Alternative energy is the future and Google will prosper from this investment.
-Ashley Luddy
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575547381873787098.html?mod=WSJ_Energy_leftHeadlines
I think it is very interesting how Google is getting involved with the Energy Industry and agreed to fund that will build wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean. On one hand I am very surprised that an internet company decided to do this but at the same time it makes sense. Google is a powerful company and has the money to do whatever they feel is right. For them to fund these wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean will make them more and more powerful and more of a monopoly
ReplyDelete-Michael Sheinfeld
I was also shocked when I heard that Google was branching out like this, even though they are just investors it seems like they wouldn't have much experience t make good judgment calls. I wonder if these windmills would be weather proof because out on the ocean storms can get rough. The east coast is fairly well known for its oceanic trade routes, so I also wonder if windmills out on the ocean could effect the routes ships will have to take. logistically it does not seem like the best idea for Google however if it is a successful venture it will most likely be very successful for the company not only from profits but also for PR.
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ReplyDelete~Tom Langevin
I agree when saying that Google aiding the energy industry is a shock. But as stated before, Google is in a position economically where they can fund what they please. It still seems odd since it is two different industries. If this works, it can expand Google's company and creditability which as Michael already stated can bring more power to them.
ReplyDelete-Kelsey Tomlinson
Building off of what Kelsey and others said, it will not only profit Google but it will also profit the energy industry. It seems like the expansion of a large powerhouse like Google is benefiting all parts involved. This is also a big step in the direction environmentalists push for. Although I'm glad to see Google branching out it scares me at the same time that these industries that seem so different can still make a huge impact in one another so easily.
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