The global energy consumption of data centres is significant and continues to rise due to the growing demand for digital services. It is estimated that these centers consume between 200 and 250 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity per year, representing approximately 1-1.5% of the world's total electricity consumption.
Despite the exponential growth in data storage and processing—driven by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and streaming services—improvements in energy management in data centres have helped mitigate energy impact and reduce operational costs.
Why is energy management in data centres key?
Efficient energy management not only reduces electricity consumption but also improves profitability and minimises the carbon footprint of data centres. Implementing an optimized approach to energy management in data centres allows for:
- Reduce operational costs and improve energy efficiency.
- Ensure the stability and reliability of the infrastructure.
- Comply with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
- Reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
Best practices for energy management in data centres.
Below are key strategies to optimize energy management in data centres and improve their operational efficiency:
- Implement an energy management system (EnMS) based on ISO 50001 to monitor energy performance and optimise electricity consumption.
- Train staff in energy efficiency practices to foster a culture of savings and resource optimisation.
- Conduct regular energy audits to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement in electricity consumption.
- Optimise cooling through free cooling techniques, such as air or water economisers, which reduce the need for mechanical cooling.
- Implement cold and hot aisle containment, separating the exhaust hot air from the intake cold air to improve thermal efficiency.
- Use automated control systems to dynamically adjust lighting, cooling, and power distribution based on operational needs.
- Replace outdated equipment with high-energy efficiency devices and intelligent consumption management.
- Incorporate on-site renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources.
Benefits of optimising energy management in data centres
Adopting a comprehensive energy management strategy in data centres offers multiple advantages:
- Cost reduction: A more efficient data centre significantly reduces electricity expenses. Implement an energy management system (EnMS) based on ISO 50001 to monitor energy performance and optimise electricity consumption.
- Sustainability: Reduces the carbon footprint and contributes to global energy efficiency goals. Train staff in energy efficiency practices to foster a culture of savings and resource optimisation.
- Greater competitiveness: Companies with energy-optimized infrastructures can offer more cost-effective and sustainable services. Conduct regular energy audits to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement in electricity consumption.
- Regulatory compliance: Ensures conformity with environmental and energy efficiency regulations through free cooling techniques, such as air or water economizers, which reduce the need for mechanical cooling.
- Improved availability and reliability: Better control of energy consumption helps reduce operational risks and ensures system stability.
Gen0: Experts in energy efficiency for data centres.
At Gen0, we have extensive experience in energy management for data centres, implementing strategies based on the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and other key industry initiatives.
If your organisation seeks to improve the efficiency of its infrastructure, reduce costs, and optimise energy consumption, contact us. We will help you implement tailored solutions to ensure a more efficient and sustainable data centre.
