Google's net zero efforts -- led by Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt (pictured, top of page) -- don't end there. The company, driven by CEO Sundar Pichai, also develops cloud-based sustainability software tools for partners and customers to leverage. And the Google Startups for Sustainable Development program supports a global ecosystem of impact-focused startups. The program builds community and supports startups with advisors, funding, and platform technology.
The timeline below, updated regularly, further explains Google's sustainability strategy, key milestones, customer engagements, partner integrations and more. Check back regularly for updates.
December 2024: Sustainability Strategy Updates
Partnership - Data Centers and Renewable Energy: Google has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Apex Clean Energy. The result: Virginia’s first onshore wind farm will supply power to Google's data centers in Virginia.
Partnership - Virtual Power Plants: NRG Energy, Renew Home and Google Cloud are partnering to promote virtual power plant (VPP) technology to improve the Texas power grid's resiliency.
Quantum Computing:Google unveiled Willow, a quantum computing chip that vastly outperforms typical supercomputers. Google predicts the Willow chips will help users to research and develop medicines; designing more efficient batteries for electric cars; and accelerating progress in fusion and new energy alternatives, the company said.
Startup Honor: Alchemy earned a ‘Growing New Technology’ Award at this year’s Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards Ireland, in association with Google. Alchemy specializes in recover, refresh and remarket services for IT and consumer devices.
Air Quality Software: Google has unveiled Air View+, which displays real-time hyperlocal air quality information in Google Maps for users across India.
Partnership - AI and Quantum Processors: Nvidia and Google are partnering to design quantum artificial intelligence processors.
Request for Information: The Net Zero Innovation Hub (NZIH) has launched a Request for Information (RFI) that seeks net zero data center backup power solutions in Europe. The hub --launched by Danfoss, Data4, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Vertiv -- seeks to "accelerate the deployment of innovative solutions which can substitute diesel back-up generators."
Cloud Partner:Blyncsy, a Bentley Systems company, has achieved the Google Cloud Ready - Sustainability designation in the Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program. Blyncsy develops road maintenance and asset inventory technology. The software automates U.S. roadway inspections using crowdsourced dash camera imagery combined with AI analytics.
Texas Solar Energy Project: One of the largest solar projects in the U.S. opened in Texas, backed by what Google said is the largest solar electricity purchase it has ever made, the Associated Press reported.
AI Cloud Services: Google Cloud is testing servers running on Nvidia's Blackwell line. The Google Cloud-Blackwell statement arrived roughly one week after Microsoft Azure claimed to be the first cloud running Blackwell on production systems.
Nuclear Power: Google has partnered with Kairos Power to deploy small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to support its 24/7 carbon-free energy targets by 2035.
United States - Data Center Energy Payment Debate: A showdown involving Big Tech companies -- such as Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft -- vs. an Ohio utility could shape the way data center companies pay for power across the United States, Reuters reported. AEP Ohio wants data centers and cryptocurrency miners to provide pre-payments and other financial assurances for their massive energy needs, the report said. Data center businesses are battling that proposal.
Carbon Credits: Google plans to purchase nature-based carbon removal credits from Mombak -- a Brazilian startup, Reuters reported. This is Google's first engagement with carbon projects in the South American country, the report said.
Data Center Reset: Google will rework from scratch its plans to build a $200 million data center in Santiago, Chile, amid various environmental impact concerns, Reuters reported.
Platform Integration - Smart Homes: A Minut-Google Nest technology integration "enables property managers to significantly lower energy bills and carbon footprints by remotely managing heating and cooling across their short-term rental portfolios," the two companies said. Minut develops smart property management solutions to help protect rental owners and their guests. updates...
Partnership - IT Consulting and Cloud Services: Deloitte and Google are touting Google Cloud are touting sustainable IT services to help customers "measure biodiversity, detect greenhouse gas emissions, create responsible supply chains, plan more livable cities, understand and prepare for climate-induced risks like flooding, wildfires, or drought, and so much more." Key names to know at Deloitte include: Jamie Sawchuk, global Alphabet Google sustainability and climate lead; and Anant Dinamani, US Google Cloud alliance sustainability and climate lead.
Partnership - Cloud Services & IT Services: Wipro has expanded its strategic partnership with Google Cloud. The expanded effort focuses heavily on GenAI solutions.
United Kingdom - AI Investigation: Britain's competition watchdog is investigating Anthropic's AI partnerships with Amazon and Google, Reuters reported. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) expects to decide by October 4, 2024 whether the Amazon-Anthropic partnership deserves a deeper probe over competition concerns, the report said. Regulators in the United States, European Union and Britain signed a joint statement in July 2024, Reuters noted, promising to work together to safeguard fair competition in the AI industry.
AI Talent: Google has hired the co-founders of AI startup Character.AI and will license the startup's large language models, SeekingAlpha reported. Character.AI's technology can develop chatbots that emulate celebrities. The hires reinforce a growing trend in the AI sector, where technology giants hire talent and license technology from AI startups -- rather than outright acquire the startups. The move sometimes is designed to avoid antitrust inquiries, though some regulators are starting to take a look at the business practice of hiring talent and licensing technology.
More: Continue to the next page for additional Google sustainability strategy updates, and associated partner engagements.
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