Google puts $102M in wind power

Google is investing another $102 million in a wind farm in the Mojave Desert, adding to an earlier $55 million investment. Along with Mountain View, Calif.-based Google commitment also announced adding another $102 million to its earlier $55 million investment.

The hot and blustery spot is perfect for the wind turbines project, said developer Terra-Gen Power, an affiliate of ArcLight Capital and Global Infrastructure Partners. The wind energy center is expected to ultimately have a generate 1,550 megawatts, or nearly double the capacity of the largest wind farm in the U.S.

“We’re excited to make this additional investment in the Alta Wind Energy Center because the project harnesses a proven local wind resource through a clean power transmission line, to help California meet its ambitious renewable energy goals while using an innovative financial structure that may attract more investment in renewable energy projects from new types of investors,” said Rick Needham, director of Green Business Operations at Google.

The money is the Internet giant’s latest infusion for clean energy projects. Earlier this month, officials announced creating a $280 million fund to finance residential solar power projects in several states, including Texas.

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