Google has made a significant investment in a Taiwanese solar company, aiming to advance green energy in the region. The tech giant plans to collaborate with New Green Power (NGP), a part of BlackRock’s investment portfolio, to establish a 1 gigawatt (GW) pipeline of sustainable energy. This initiative is crucial for Google and Taiwan to progress towards their climate objectives while ensuring a stable supply of green energy in a key semiconductor hub.
Currently, fossil fuels account for approximately 85 percent of Taiwan’s power grid, highlighting the urgent need for renewable alternatives. Google’s global head of data center energy, Amanda Peterson Corio, emphasized the importance of companies taking the lead in expanding renewable energy sources and supporting innovative technologies for decarbonizing regional electricity systems.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Google plans to utilize up to 300 megawatts of solar capacity to power its data centers in Taiwan. Moreover, the company is considering offering a portion of this clean energy to its semiconductor suppliers and manufacturers in the area. By doing so, Google aims to help its partners achieve their green energy targets and reduce indirect emissions stemming from its supply chain.
Peterson Corio underscored the significance of addressing Scope 3 emissions, which are linked to the electricity grids powering Google’s suppliers and users. Collaborative efforts like the investment in NGP play a vital role in achieving Google’s net-zero goal and driving broader decarbonization across its operations.
While the regulatory approval for the partnership is pending, Google has not disclosed the exact amount it is investing in NGP. However, the potential impact of this collaboration on promoting sustainable energy practices and fostering environmental stewardship in the semiconductor industry is substantial. By leveraging renewable energy sources and innovative technologies, Google and its partners can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future in Taiwan and beyond.
