ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: Power-hungry data centres are driving demand for more renewable energy sources.
Relevant offers
Technology
Google is investing US$75 million in an Iowa wind farm as part of its effort to encourage development of cleaner energy sources.
The deal announced Thursday gives a stake in the Rippey Wind Farm in Greene County, Iowa, US. RPM Access is the primary owner.
The wind farm is located about 130 miles northeast of Council Bluffs, home to one of the eight data centres that power Google's internet search engine and other services.
The Iowa data center won't be getting power from the wind farm.
The high electricity demand of Google's massive data centres is one of the reasons the company backs energy projects that cause less pollution than traditional power plants.
In May 2011 Google invested US$55 million in the Alta Wind Energy Centre wind farm in California's Tehachapi Mountains in partership with Citibank. A year earlier it spent US$38.8 million for a stake in two North Dakota wind farms. It has also invested in solar energy.
Google's investments in renewable energy now exceed US$990 million.
- AP
Sponsored links
Skifields mum on Cardrona rumours
Gridlock over meat costing firms
Coalmining could begin by end of year
Final test for new electricity link
Licence changes may bring delays
Gridlock over meat should end 'this week'
Initial offer profits treated as income
Business told to quit Couple hunt for new spot
Skifields zero in on Aussie visitors
Southern meat diverted from China - port
Highlanders drop All Blacks duo
Need for Winton cellphone tower debated
Golf couple object to 'buzzing' by skydivers
Town set to be more than little bit country
Council calls for help with yacht race
Coastguard turns to community for help
The world is Bluff's oyster ... tomorrow
Teen hangout pad concern for police
ABs thin stocks won't budge Tamati Ellison
Fowler keeping options open for 2014 season
