Smart Grid Blog

Google is no stranger to renewable energy. The search giant has previously invested in enhanced geothermal technology, smart grid ventures, electric cars, and wind power startups. But those investments all came from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of the company. Now, for the first time, Google Inc. has invested in renewable power as a way to “accelerate the deployment of the latest clean energy technology while providing attractive returns to Google and more capital for developers to build additional projects,” according to the Official Google Blog.

via Google Makes First Direct Investment in Utility-Scale Clean Energy | Fast Company.

Solar fields and rooftops in the desert and valley, wind parks in Tehachapi, biomass from waste production, and geothermal hot springs – with all its sun, wind, agriculture and geologic features, Kern County has a lot to offer when it comes to renewable energy. And then, of course, there are the oil and natural gas fields, keeping Kern a leader in fossil fuel production as well.

via Kern County has power to be renewable energy leader | Bakersfield Express.

Europe will select 30 cities to pioneer “smart” electricity grids and space-proven insulation as it seeks to lead the global race for green technology, a draft European Union document shows.

The windpower sector must shift offshore and strive to provide a fifth of EU electricity by 2020 — ahead of industry goals — said a draft of the European Commission’s long-awaited Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

The so-called SET-Plan lays out the EU’s strategy for promoting hi-tech solutions to climate change to give European businesses a head start as the world switches to low-carbon energy.

Billions of euros will have to be poured into research to avoid falling behind the United States, which is pouring $777 million into energy research, the draft, obtained by Reuters ahead of the plan’s release next month, said.

“Basic research is chronically underfunded in the EU,” the report said. “We need to stimulate and incentivize our best brains to push back the frontiers of science.”

via EU plans 30 cities to lead world on smart energy | Green Business | Reuters.