Data Center energy demand rising amid global internet, AI growth

With the growth of loT, Al, and blockchain technology, energy consumption in data centers is increasing, especially for cooling systems, accounting for up to 40 per cent.

- Rajesh Kaushal

As data centers drive global internet connectivity, their à rising energy demands pose environmental challenges. Innovative strategies and technologies are crucial for transitioning to sustainable power solutions while ensuring reliable operations. Industrialist Rajesh Kaushal talks with the EPR to explain the latest trends in the sector.

How can data centers can improve energy efficiency and sustainability?

Data centers are considered the "brains" of the internet. They process, store, and communicate data and power essential services like streaming, email, and social media. These centers use electricity to power their servers, storage drives, and other IT devices. On average, servers and cooling systems use the most electricity in data centers, followed by storage drives and network devices.

As global internet use increases, demand for data center services rises, causing concerns about their growing energy consumption. New tech like Al, which uses large amounts of computing power, could further boost demand.

Millions of data centers worldwide, with their energy-hungry facilities, consume more resources than entire countries, raising concerns about their environmental impact. With the growth of loT, AI, and blockchain technology, energy consumption is increasing, especially for cooling systems, which can account for up to 40 percent of a data center's total consumption.