After joining hands with Intel in order to sponsor and promote Climate Savers Computing Initiative, Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, unveiled today RechargeIT initiative, a 11-million-dollar programme.

The new initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and oil dependence by accelerating the adoption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles ("plug-ins").

Google kick-started the initiative by ordering the conversion of six hybrid-powered vehicles (four Toyota Prius and two Ford Escapes) into plug-in hybrids whose batteries can be charged through a regular socket.

Google plans to expand the programme to build a fleet of 100 plug- ins that can be rented by its workers and recharged via a carport covered with solar electric panels.

Also the company announced that it has switched on the solar panel installation at its Mountain View, Calif. Headquarters. At 1.6 megawatts - and with an electricity output capable of powering approximately 1,000 average California homes - the Google project is the largest solar installation to date on any corporate campus in the United States and one of the largest on any corporate site in the world.

"Clean energy technology can dramatically shift how we make and use energy for our cars and homes by charging cars through an electric grid powered by solar or other renewable energy sources, and selling power back to the electric grid when it’s needed most. This approach can quadruple the fuel efficiency of cars on the road today and improve grid stability," said Dr. Larry Brilliant, Executive Director of Google.org.