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CASE STUDY : GOOGLE AND THE ‘ REVERSE AUCTION ’
In 2018 , Google matched 100 per cent of its global electricity consumption with renewable energy for the second year in a row . Looking to the future , Google recognised that sustaining a 100 percent match would require thinking beyond its historical procurement methods . To continue meeting its users ’ needs in a sustainable way , it decided to streamline its renewables procurement process by running reverse auctions ( where energy sellers bid for a buyer ’ s business ) for wind and solar projects . Google ’ s goal was to find a way to source , negotiate , and sign a large wave of renewable energy deals in a single , global push .
Google used Enel X ’ s proprietary reverse auction technology to support its industry-leading commitment to sustainability . As a result of the auctions , Google signed 10 agreements comprising more than 1.2 gigawatts of renewable energy . Running reverse auctions accelerated its procurement process and allowed it to meet its procurement cost goals .
Source : Andrew Toher , head of customer insights , Enel X UK
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