During last week’s EmTech MIT conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts, discussions centered on groundbreaking advancements in fields such as AI, biotech, and robotics. A significant focus was on climate-related sessions, particularly a compelling dialogue between James Temple and Lucia Tian, Google’s head of advanced energy technologies. They explored the tech giant’s increasing energy requirements and the innovative strategies it plans to implement to meet them, especially in light of the surging demand driven by AI technologies.
In 2020, Google set an ambitious target to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030, a goal that remains a daunting challenge as the company grapples with soaring electricity consumption. According to its latest Environmental Report, Google’s electricity demand more than doubled from 2020 to 2024. While the company maintained its carbon-free energy usage at about 66% in 2023, down from 67% in 2020, it is clear that staying afloat in this rapidly changing environment is a significant accomplishment. However, it underscores the considerable distance remaining to reach their ambitious target.
To bridge this gap, Google is actively pursuing energy projects, including a recent agreement to purchase power from a new natural gas facility in Illinois that implements carbon capture and storage technology capable of sequestering around 90% of its CO2 emissions. Despite facing criticism for potentially prolonging fossil fuel dependence, Tian explained that retrofitting existing plants isn’t always feasible due to various limitations, such as spatial constraints and geological concerns. Additionally, Tian announced a collaboration with NextEra Energy to revive the Duane Arnold Energy Center, a nuclear facility in Iowa, set to reopen in 2029. This move reflects a shift in sentiment surrounding nuclear energy in the U.S., as companies now seek to reinstate previously closed plants. As Google continues to navigate the complexities of energy demands, its commitment to sustainability will be closely monitored in the coming years.
Source: Google is still aiming for its “moonshot” 2030 energy goals via MIT Technology Review