B_GF_widows_creek
B_GF_widows_creek
B_GF_widows_creek
B_GF_widows_creek
B_GF_widows_creek

Google to Convert Power Plant to Data Center

July 22, 2015

Goodbye coal, hello clean energy.

As Google's need for data centers grows, the company is looking for new ways to keep its carbon footprint in check. Its next project will repurpose the Widows Creek Fossil Plant in Alabama by building a new data center and using the existing power infrastructure to bring renewable energy into the facility.

Operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority since the 1950s, Widows Creek is scheduled for shutdown due to changes in EPA regulations for greenhouse gases. Google, one of the largest corporate renewable energy purchasers, intends to supply the Widows Creek site with 100% clean power. The data center will also continue to employ energy efficiency strategies to reduce demand.

“We’ve built our own super-efficient servers, invented more effective ways to cool our data centers, and use advanced machine learning to squeeze more out of every watt of power we consume. Compared to five years ago, we now get 3.5 times the computing power out of the same amount of energy,” notes Patrick Gammons, Senior Manager of Data Center Energy and Location Strategy.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

INFOGRAPHIC: Unlocking the Value of a Smart Building

How do you make a smart building even smarter? Download the Infographic below to discover what happened when one customer used AI-enabled building technology to achieve their ...

Streamline & Enhance Inspection Process in Order to Save Money & Expedite Repairs

Download the case study to learn how to streamline inspections, save money, and expedite repairs.

Building Security & Technology Month

This special collaborative series will consist of the four one-hour events below, as well as an Executive Summary Digital eBook distributed to all readers that will be available...

Elevator Emergency Communication Code Compliance: Must-Knows

You probably know that elevator code is anything but straightforward, which isn't ideal when noncompliance can result in massive liabilities. What's more? Recent code updates ...