oday, many of the macro trends accelerating
T data centre adoption are being driven by increasingly compute intensive applications. Generative artificial intelligence( GenAI) and AI workloads, large scale data analytics and accelerated computing are all impacting demand for physical space, connectivity, power and cooling.
In certain geographies such as Dublin and London this has already led to constraints, and now, both government and industry are working to solve the challenges.
Energy demand
There is no simple answer to the complex issues surrounding power. However, a careful strategy built around the most advanced and energy efficient equipment, AI-enhanced remote monitoring and predictive analytics, and underpinned by innovative energy systems will not only ensure continued, uninterruptible power, but provide a sustainable foundation for the data centres and grids of the future.
The AI revolution is well underway, but it brings with it challenges for data centre energy consumption, power availability, and carbon emissions. Mark Yeeles, VP, Secure Power division, Schneider Electric UK & I shares how, by utilising innovative technologies, data centres can provide the foundations for a greener future, powered by AI.
According to the IEA, electricity consumption from data centres, AI and cryptocurrency processing could double by 2026, and data centres are currently said to account for around 1 % of global electricity consumption. In larger economies such as the US, China, and the EU, data centres account for around 2 – 4 % of total electricity consumption, and in Ireland it could be over 20 %.
This level of growth has had a measurable impact on emissions too, with some hyperscalers experiencing a carbon footprint increase of 30 % due to indirect emissions from data centres.
POWERING THE FUTURE: TACKLING AI’ S ENERGY DEMANDS SUSTAINABLY
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