Google, the Internet search and advertising giant, is increasingly eyeing the energy sector as a potential business opportunity.

From its beginning, the company has invested millions of dollars in making its power-hungry data centers more efficient. Its philanthropic arm has made small investments in clean energy technologies.

But in recent weeks, Eric Schmidt, the Google chief executive, has hinted at the companys broad interest in the energy business. He also joined Jeffrey Immelt, the chief executive of General Electric, to announce that they would collaborate on policies and technologies aimed at improving the electricity grid. The effort could include offering tools for consumers.

Meanwhile, engineers at Google are hoping to unveil tools soon that could help consumers make better decisions about their energy use.

And while the companys philanthropic unit, Google.org, has invested in clean energy start-ups like one that uses kites to harness wind power, Google is considering large investments in projects that generate electricity from renewable sources.

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Tags: Google Clean Energy 2030