Google has outlined
a
comprehensive plan to accomplish what the U.S. government and private business
has thus far been unable to do -- eliminate U.S. dependence on foreign oil and
non-renewable energy sources. Google CEO Eric Schmidt outlined the new plan at
the Corporate EcoForum which featured executives from Coca-Cola, Motorola,
Clorox, Microsoft, and other top industry players. In order to back his plan,
Mr. Schmidt used a great deal of calculations. He says that the justification
for adopting alternative energy boils down to basic math, with the formula
energy efficiency = savings (or E2=$) being the key. He stated, "It's just a
math problem." His plan is for
the U.S. to by 2030 adopt renewable energy sources for 100 percent of the
country's power generation. This would eliminate the coal-fired plants primarily
used to provide electricity. Further, he says that in that time span half the
cars need to be replaced with plug-in hybrids, like the Chevy Volt. The math
adds up, he says. The result will be to cut U.S. carbon emissions in half, which
he says will help to avert man-made climate change. He says there are also great
financial benefits to the adoption. He says the U.S. would save 97 percent of
$2.17 trillion in energy spending over the next 22 years. Alternative
energy would add up to big in-sourcing of alternative energy design, production,
and installation jobs as well, says Mr. Schmidt. According to his figures, there
are currently 500,000 jobs in wind companies alone.
Google has invested in wind, solar, and geothermal thus far. Mr. Schmidt
explained it is currently avoiding nuclear as it is unsatisfied with current
response to security concerns, including physical terrorism or remote online
attacks from foreign nationalists. Mr. Schmidt explains that once these concerns
are properly addressed it will start investing in nuclear. Google is considering
tidal and wave power as fourth or fifth investment plan.