Google announced five new sustainability and clean-energy initiatives in India, over fields of artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and infrastructure investments to aid to the country’s clean energy transition.
The announcement talks about rooftop solar intelligence covering over 300 million buildings, a new 150 MW utility solar agreement in Rajasthan, a methane and water-reduction initiative with Mitti Labs and research tracks through the Google Center for Climate Technology.
Google has long used AI and imagery to make rooftop solar adoption quicker. Solar API, part of Earth AI, generates insights for over 1.2 billion buildings globally and more than 300 million rooftops across India.
The technology provides rooftop insights that allow installers to assess a home's solar potential without an on-site visit that reduces both the time as well as the cost required to produce designs.
Solar API provides the foundational data to automate manual roof surveys by making assessments faster and more convenient for households across India to adopt.
Additionally, Google is expanding its commitment to India's electricity grid through an agreement with ReNew Power for a 150 MW solar generation project in Rajasthan. Under the agreement, Google will receive insights on clean electricity generated by the project and apply them to help address electricity-related emissions.
The Google Center for Climate Technology launched in February in partnership with the Government of India’s Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, supports researchers and innovators applying AI to environmental challenges. Out of the total 77 applications, the Center has selected its first projects, green workforce training and low-carbon construction materials.
