Jamie Schwartz – UNI: js5849

1. Sustainability Problem: Energy
   • Current energy infrastructure is carbon intensive, emitting GHG that warm the planet
   • Renewable energy sources built on wind or solar are inconsistent due to temperature, time of day, etc.
2. Article Summary: https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/energy/google-applying-ai-crack-next-gen-geothermal-energy-data-centers
   • The appeal for Geothermal, in comparison to other forms of renewable energy, is that the source is always available
   • The challenge with Geothermal is that location of plants needs to be along fault lines to maximize energy extraction; price point for building the plants is also a barrier to entry
   • Google is partnering with energy startup Frevo to use AI and other various technologies to improve geothermal energy extraction practices, starting with a project in Nevada
   • The “next generation” plant that Frevo is planning to build will directly power the Nevada electric grid, which in turn will power multiple Google data centers based in the state
   • This transition to geothermal power in Nevada will help Google become one step closer to having their data centers and operations become Carbon free
3. Organizational Stakeholders:
   • Google
   • Frevo
   • Breakthrough Energy (has previously provided capital for Frevo to build its company)
   • Nevada electric grid/utility company
   • Nevada utility users (potentially get a break on their electricity bills?)
   • Companies currently involved in current geothermal operations that could benefit from seeing the additional tech implemented on this project
   • Other states that could also build out these projects
4. Implementation/Deployment of Tech:
   • Use AI and additional tech to find optimal location for plant
   • Build plant
   • Begin operations, continue using AI and other tech to improve operations

Supplemental reading: https://www.cnet.com/news/google-turns-to-geothermal-energy-to-power-its-carbon-free-moonshot/