Google recently announced a partnership with BlackRock to develop a 1 gigawatt pipeline of new solar capacity in Taiwan. This initiative is part of Google’s efforts to boost energy capacity and reduce carbon emissions as the demand for artificial intelligence technology continues to grow.
Capital Investment in New Green Power
Google’s investment in Taiwanese solar developer New Green Power, a BlackRock portfolio firm, will facilitate the buildout of a large-scale solar pipeline. While the exact amount of the investment has not been disclosed, it is expected to significantly increase clean energy on Taiwan’s local electricity grid.
The new solar capacity will not only help power Google’s data centers and cloud region in Taiwan but will also be offered to the company’s chip suppliers and manufacturers in the region. This move aligns with Google’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions across all its operations and value chain by 2030.
Taiwan, known for producing nearly 60% of the world’s semiconductor chips, heavily relies on non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas. With chip fabrication facilities being among the most energy-intensive in the world, the need to transition to renewable energy sources is more pressing than ever.
David Giordano, BlackRock’s global head of climate infrastructure, emphasized the importance of investing in clean energy to meet the growing demand for digital services powered by AI and data-centric technologies. Singapore has also recognized the need for green data centers to address the energy strain caused by the surge in artificial intelligence usage.
Google’s partnership with BlackRock to develop solar capacity in Taiwan signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable future in the technology industry. By investing in renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions, both companies are setting a positive example for others to follow in the pursuit of a greener and more energy-efficient world.