Comments on: Google to Start a Green Utility?

By: Casey Verdant

Casey Verdant — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:22:16 +0000

This is a really interesting move on Google’s part to power its own data centers and make a grab at one of the most profitable sectors of American industry. Let’s hope Google Energy is as green and creative as Google’s other subsidiaries.

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By: Casey Verdant

Casey Verdant — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:22:00 +0000

By: Brian N

Brian N — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:39:08 +0000

I see Google’s biggest potential here is to drive smart metering as a step to drive smart power to match loads dynamically to regulate intermittent REs.

That increases RE’s low capacity factor and helps them grow to a higher % of total generation. Commensurate storage like pumped hydro will still be needed if REs get big enough.

Dynamic loads could include charging EVs, dumping electricity for secondary home/water heating.

I hope that Google will gain an influential position in energy circles to advocate multiple non carbon energy power emphasizing the most economic and quickest to build options. I know they know about Thorium LFTR for cheaper than coal electricity and will whisper it to top people.

By: Brian N

Brian N — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:39:00 +0000

I see Google’s biggest potential here is to drive smart metering as a step to drive smart power to match loads dynamically to regulate intermittent REs.

That increases RE’s low capacity factor and helps them grow to a higher % of total generation. Commensurate storage like pumped hydro will still be needed if REs get big enough.

Dynamic loads could include charging EVs, dumping electricity for secondary home/water heating.