While Google is not set on one particular type of renewable energy, there has been some degree of focus on solar thermal.

In a solar thermal system, the heat of the sun is focused on a common point. The point of focus will contain salts, water or oil depending on the technology. The heat carrier, salt, water or oil, will be directed through an insulated pipeline to boil water. The steam from the boiling water is used to drive turbines that make electricity.

This type system has been in full operation for more than a few years in countries like Italy. The heat in the carrier can be high enough to continue running the power production for a couple of hours past sunset. This makes solar thermal a perfect candidate as a peak time energy producer.

The system works very well in locations that have a lot of sun, like deserts. Limitations include delivery of the energy and average yearly weather at the installation site. A secondary issue that is common in many renewable energy systems is that a backup energy source still needs to be available for bad weather or night production. I believe that as renewable energy sources grow and mature, that we will begin reducing our dependence on fossil fuel as a backup as well. Diversification of our energy needs is a necessity as we move away from fossil fuels.

It is great to see a large corporation making a direct effort to support and research renewable energy. It will be even better when they follow through!

I hope that investments in renewables by large corporations help to drive down the costs for the rest of us.