Jad Jebara, President & CEO at Hyperview, looks at the technologies that are turning green data centres into a reality.
Data centres already consume around 1% of the world’s electricity supply. With new research revealing that data centre capacity will nearly triple by 2029; how will our planet support such a demand?
In an era characterised by the rapid transformation of our world through technology, data centres emerge as the often-overlooked champions driving the digital revolution. These immense hubs of computing power serve as the backbone of our digital infrastructure. As the need for data surges, so too does the energy consumption of these facilities.
It’s a problem that the very best of the data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) software sector is dedicated to solving by bringing forth the sustainable, efficient and modern data centre of the future.
A future ruled by data
By the time you finish reading this sentence, there will be more data existing on this planet than when you started. Some estimates put the amount of data created every day at 328.77 million terabytes, with 90% of the world’s data being generated in the last two years alone. It’s a number too high for any human brain to comprehend and it will only get bigger.
Recent findings from Synergy Research Group revealed that data centre capacity is poised to nearly triple by 2029, a surge driven primarily by hyperscalers gearing up for the demands of high-intensity generative AI workloads. Afterall, data is the fuel of AI.
Along with these findings is Gartner’s recent prediction that by 2026, 50% of G20 members will struggle with monthly electricity rationing. This will make energy-efficient operations a major component of long-term business success. With a looming energy crisis and a surge in data, the phrase ‘the time to act is now’ may sound like a broken record, but it’s never been truer for data centres.
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’; it’s a requirement that regulators and international bodies are racing to implement. California’s new emissions disclosure law requires businesses to report not only the emissions from their facilities but also those from their supply chains. As of January 2023, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive came into force, strengthening the rules concerning the social and environmental information companies must report.
Data centre operators can respond swiftly to this requisite by implementing a range of innovative solutions that will allow them to reduce their environmental impact and better understand their energy usage overall. The stakes have never been higher, and collective, immediate action is crucial to see real change.
Sustainable solutions for the growing data centre landscape
Modelling and predictive analytics tools
Incorporating modelling and predictive analytical tools within operations empowers data centre managers to forecast future energy needs accurately. As data centre capacity expands, this forecasting capability becomes indispensable in optimising operations for maximum efficiency. It allows proactive planning, ensuring that energy consumption aligns with actual requirements, preventing unnecessary resource allocation and further supporting sustainability objectives.
Real-time visibility into energy sage
Real-time visibility into energy usage allows operators to discern patterns and identify areas of energy waste, thereby facilitating precise interventions to eliminate inefficiencies. The real-time insights offered by DCIM solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also align seamlessly with emissions reduction goals, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious data centre landscape.
Cooling, power provisioning, and asset utilisation
Innovative DCIM tools drive higher efficiency in crucial areas such as cooling, power provisioning, and asset utilisation. By optimising these facets, data centres can significantly reduce their overall energy consumption. This multifaceted approach ensures that the data centre operates at peak efficiency, minimising unnecessary energy expenditure and subsequently reducing its environmental impact.
Optimal temperature tools
By ensuring critical components operate at optimal temperatures, the risk of overheating and system failures is mitigated. This not only improves the overall performance and lifespan of the equipment, but also prevents energy wastage associated with the consequences of operational failures.
The conversation around data centre sustainability cannot be overstated. DCIM solutions offer a roadmap for businesses and data centre managers to navigate the challenges posed by the impending surge in data capacity. Acting swiftly will not only mitigate the environmental impact but also ensure the resilience and longevity of our digital infrastructure. After all, the decisions we make today will shape the sustainability of our data-driven world for years to come.
