The ongoing chatter about renewable energy almost always centers on power generation, evoking images of wind turbines or acres of solar panels set against green fields and blue skies. Yet power generation is just one part of the equation. A reliable grid with enough capacity is needed to transmit that power from where it originates to the populous areas where it gets used, especially if we are going to increasingly rely on electricity to power our cars and other forms of transportation. Leave it to Google, which already seems to own just about every other network in our lives, to team up with General Electric to identify the opportunity and commit to making it happen.
The two companies announced a collaboration on technology
and policy initiatives (i.e. coaxing the
It is amazing that amidst all the financial turmoil of the last weeks this is still happening. After all, if the initiative gains momentum it represents a need for some serious capital commitment. And that's one thing that seems to be in serious short supply these days. Still, the unfortunate and tough financial situations that we find ourselves in today with the bank failures, the high cost of energy, and the political cost of our dependence on foreign oil come together to create an opportunity too. It's an opportunity not only to do the right thing, but also to make a lot of money. Happily, Google and GE recognize that, and they recognize that it will take collaboration with government to make it all happen.
New York Times coverage of the announcement is here.
The blog has really helped me think from another perspective as well and have given me a wider view of the entire scenario.
Posted by: KVM Switches | July 15, 2009 at 07:19 AM