Core Scientific data center uses thermal aisles to optimize miner performance without HVAC systems (Photo: Business Wire)
The explosion of data centers across the country highlights the rapidly increasing demand for cloud computing power that will transform the economy, while also raising major concerns about the power needed to keep data centers running. Masu.
Additional computing power is needed to power emerging and maturing technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptocurrencies, the Internet of Things, e-commerce, content streaming, and the ever-increasing demand for cloud computing. . Their ability to benefit millions of Americans depends on acres of data centers. Data centers require enormous amounts of electricity to power large numbers of computers and keep the climate under control.
From the United States' five major data center hubs (Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco) to the many regions vying to join their ranks, this growth is raising concerns about expected increases in power demand. It is occurring.
A recent analysis by commercial real estate industry analyst Newmark Group predicts that data center power consumption will more than double by 2030. Increased energy demand will have a disproportionate impact on the United States, the world's data center.
The environmental impact of projected increases in electricity demand is a major concern, with the International Energy Agency stating that data centers and their data transmission networks already account for 1% of the world's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. We estimate that there are.
One answer is to push more electricity from renewable sources to reduce the electricity produced by carbon-emitting fossil fuels.
Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google, whose products and services generate much of their data center needs, have so far produced electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind turbines that are “comparable to the generation capacity of Sweden.'' It has a contract for approximately 50 gigawatts. says the International Energy Agency.
To provide more energy while reducing emissions, data center operator Standard Power last year considered using small modular nuclear reactors to power its data centers in Ohio and Pennsylvania. announced that it was doing so. Nuclear reactors do not emit carbon.
Technology also provides significant assistance in data center cooling. Cooling is important because it accounts for up to 40% of a data center's energy usage. This is why some companies are designing specialized systems for data center ceilings that significantly reduce the energy required for cooling.
In addition, new and retrofitting existing commercial buildings to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions can help alleviate some of the strain on the power grid.
The economic benefits of advances such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing do not necessarily come at the expense of the environment. Smart policymaking, combined with innovations in power generation and cooling systems, can provide a strong, climate-friendly foundation for data center growth and the new economy unfolding around us.
Vic Grizzle is president and CEO of Armstrong World Industries in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. /InsideSources.com.