Cloud Digital Leader Why Cloud Technology Can Transform Business Practice Question

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

• ✗

  Google Cloud uses nuclear energy as its primary power source.

  Why it's wrong here

  Google Cloud does not use nuclear energy as its primary power source. Google's global operations, including data centers, are supported by large-scale purchases of renewable energy from wind and solar projects through power purchase agreements (PPAs) and energy attribute certificates. While some regional grids where Google operates may contain nuclear generation, Google's own procurement strategy explicitly targets renewable sources, not nuclear.

• ✗

  Google Cloud data centers are powered by 100% carbon-free energy since 2020.

  Why it's wrong here

  Google Cloud has matched 100% of its global electricity consumption with renewable energy since 2017, but that is not the same as being powered by 100% carbon-free energy around the clock. The 'carbon-free energy' goal is more stringent: Google aims to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030, which requires every hour of every day to be matched with carbon-free generation, not just an annual or quarterly accounting of renewable purchases.

• ✓

  Google Cloud matches 100% of its global electricity consumption with renewable energy.

  Why this is correct

  Since 2017, Google has matched 100% of the electricity its global operations (including Cloud regions) consume with an equivalent amount of renewable energy. This is achieved by entering into long-term PPAs (e.g., wind and solar) that add new renewable capacity to the grid, and by using market-based instruments without double-counting. This claim is verified annually through third-party audits under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol scope 2 accounting.

• ✗

  Google Cloud purchases carbon offsets to neutralize all emissions.

  Why it's wrong here

  While Google has purchased carbon offsets for residual emissions as part of its carbon neutrality goal, its primary strategy for reducing its carbon footprint is not offsetting. Google explicitly focuses on matching electricity consumption with renewable energy and pursuing 24/7 carbon-free energy; offsets are only used for emissions that cannot yet be eliminated. The claim that offsets neutralize all emissions overstates their role and ignores the dominant renewable matching approach.

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