Internet search engine Google says it is launching a multi-million dollar project to create alternative energy sources that would be cheaper than the price of coal-generated power.

The California-based online giant says it will hire engineers and energy experts to investigate technologies in solar, geothermal and wind power, in an effort to reduce its dependence on coal-generated electricity. 

Google says it hopes the project will produce renewable electricity equal to the amount that powers the city of San Francisco, and reduce its growing electricity costs.  The company says it will sell any excess power to other electricity users.

Google has already taken steps in using and developing alternative forms of energy.  It has a large solar panel installation on the roof of its headquarters, and is investing in rechargeable electric automobiles.

Many U.S. corporations have launched "green" initiatives in an effort to switch from traditional carbon-based electricity, amid increasing concerns about the impact it is having on global climate change. 

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.