Google and Facebook executives have said utilities must lead the change to renewable energy rather than environmentally minded companies. They told an event run by the American Council on Renewable Energy that companies’ voluntary schemes or commitments would not be enough to decarbonise the grid. The seven companies are the largest US buyers of renewable power but Google said corporate initiatives were not the best long-term approach and Facebook called for the decarbonisation of entire utilities. Some technology companies have started pressuring utilities to use more renewable energy; however, employee groups have said the firms were not doing enough.
Google and Facebook executives have said utilities must lead the change to renewable energy rather than environmentally minded companies. They told an event run by the American Council on Renewable Energy that companies’ voluntary schemes or commitments would not be enough to decarbonise the grid. The two companies are the largest US buyers of renewable power but Google said corporate initiatives were not the best long-term approach and Facebook called for the decarbonisation of entire utilities. Some technology companies have started pressuring utilities to use more renewable energy; however, employee groups have said the firms were not doing enough.