Eco-villian?
Well, now we've got at least one thing to add to Google's FAIL list - clean energy. A recent Harper's article lays bare the consequences of Google's efforts to support their expanding search and advertising empire. The company's massive data centers require access to cheap, abundant energy - usually in the form of hydroelectric power. But isn't hydro clean? For that answer, just ask the salmon.
Google is in the middle of building three 68,680 square foot data centers in Oregon's Columbia River Valley. The data centers, situated across the street from a decommissioned aluminum smelter, will draw power from the Dalles Dam. Built in 1957, the dam was responsible for the destruction of the area's salmon runs and the drowning of Celilo Falls. Google's new center will draw around 100 MW. Microsoft, Yahoo! and Ask.com are moving in upriver, building data centers projected to draw a combined 90 MW.
The fun doesn't end here. Projects under construction by Google, Microsoft - as well as two recently completed AT&T centers - are located in Siberia, Dublin, Lithuania, and Shanghai. Like the U.S. these locations generate most of their power from fossil fuels or nuclear power. No word on how energy efficient these data centers are, but let's hope Reicher powers down his computer and shuts off his lights at night. Remember folks: conservation starts at home.
How Green Is My Google?
Daniel Englander: February 21, 2008, 8:32 AM
Like a pre-teen girl meeting Hannah Montana, my rather awkward run in with Google's Dan Reicher was an encounter neither of us will soon forget. Except Dan Reicher, who probably ditched my card seconds after his bodyguards pried my fingers from his arm. My date with destiny happened on the same day Reicher announced Google's RE<C initiative, which lead many of us to wonder if there was anything these guys couldn't accomplish.
Eco-villian?
Well, now we've got at least one thing to add to Google's FAIL list - clean energy. A recent Harper's article lays bare the consequences of Google's efforts to support their expanding search and advertising empire. The company's massive data centers require access to cheap, abundant energy - usually in the form of hydroelectric power. But isn't hydro clean? For that answer, just ask the salmon.
Google is in the middle of building three 68,680 square foot data centers in Oregon's Columbia River Valley. The data centers, situated across the street from a decommissioned aluminum smelter, will draw power from the Dalles Dam. Built in 1957, the dam was responsible for the destruction of the area's salmon runs and the drowning of Celilo Falls. Google's new center will draw around 100 MW. Microsoft, Yahoo! and Ask.com are moving in upriver, building data centers projected to draw a combined 90 MW.
The fun doesn't end here. Projects under construction by Google, Microsoft - as well as two recently completed AT&T centers - are located in Siberia, Dublin, Lithuania, and Shanghai. Like the U.S. these locations generate most of their power from fossil fuels or nuclear power. No word on how energy efficient these data centers are, but let's hope Reicher powers down his computer and shuts off his lights at night. Remember folks: conservation starts at home.
Eco-villian?
Well, now we've got at least one thing to add to Google's FAIL list - clean energy. A recent Harper's article lays bare the consequences of Google's efforts to support their expanding search and advertising empire. The company's massive data centers require access to cheap, abundant energy - usually in the form of hydroelectric power. But isn't hydro clean? For that answer, just ask the salmon.
Google is in the middle of building three 68,680 square foot data centers in Oregon's Columbia River Valley. The data centers, situated across the street from a decommissioned aluminum smelter, will draw power from the Dalles Dam. Built in 1957, the dam was responsible for the destruction of the area's salmon runs and the drowning of Celilo Falls. Google's new center will draw around 100 MW. Microsoft, Yahoo! and Ask.com are moving in upriver, building data centers projected to draw a combined 90 MW.
The fun doesn't end here. Projects under construction by Google, Microsoft - as well as two recently completed AT&T centers - are located in Siberia, Dublin, Lithuania, and Shanghai. Like the U.S. these locations generate most of their power from fossil fuels or nuclear power. No word on how energy efficient these data centers are, but let's hope Reicher powers down his computer and shuts off his lights at night. Remember folks: conservation starts at home.
