Google will invest in geothermal

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Google announced it will invest $10 million in geothermal systems.

The renewable energy technology that taps the power of underground heat has increased its presence in the United States in recent years.

Now, through its philanthropic arm, Google.org, Google will help two start-ups, AltaRock Energy and Potter Drilling, hit the ground running. Google also will give grant money to Southern Methodist University's Geothermal Lab for a study of geothermal's potential, CNET News reported.

The funding is part of Google.org's RE

Google already has invested in solar thermal companies eSolar and BrightSource Energy, as well as wind company Makini Power, and has installed a 1.6-megawatt solar array.