May 4, 2010 - Google Invests $40 Million in North Dakota Wind Farms

Google is no stranger to the benefits of clean energy. The search-engine giant established the subsidiary Google Energy, they have created energy monitoring technologies such as Google PowerMeter, and routinely invests in clean tech start-ups such as eSolar and AltaRock.

So it should come as no surprise that Google recently took its commitment to clean energy a step further. The company marked a first in its history by giving $38.8 million to two North Dakota wind farms, first time the company invested in a utility-scale renewable energy projects.

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The farms, which are home to 113 enormous turbines, were developed by NextEra Energy Resources and harness the strong winds that blow across the plains of North Dakota. In total, the farms produce 169.5 megawatts of power, enough energy to light up 55,000 homes in the area.

These turbines are more than just power-plants though - in addition to providing plenty of clean, renewable power, they also use state-of-the-art turbine technology; the individual spinning blades constantly self-adjust their level of pitch to achieve an optimal level of efficiency. Also, the turbines are about 15 percent larger than traditional designs which results in an even greater energy-capture rate.

The first of Google's investment in utility-scale clean energy projects, they assert that it is always looking for new renewable energy investment opportunities.