Expert Q&A: Decarbonising data centres

In-Depth

Experts from Thales Alenia Space and Deep Green offer their take on some of the technologies that could help ensure our insatiable demand for data is compatible with the push for net zero

It's estimated that a single AI prompt can require nearly ten times the energy of a Google search
It's estimated that a single AI prompt can require nearly ten times the energy of a Google search - stock.adobe.com

Today, data centres are thought to account for around two per cent of global electricity usage, which is more than the total of the UK electricity market. And without a fundamental technological shift, the growing demand for the services they provide is expected to push this figure closer to 15 per cent, making them one of our planet’s biggest consumers of electricity. 

In response, innovators and engineers are exploring a range of options that could improve the efficiency of these engines of the digital age – including the prospect of locating them within environments and applications that can reduce the cost of cooling; making practical use of the waste heat generated; and even tapping into new sources of energy. 

We spoke to two organisations at the forefront of thinking in this area: Thales Alenia Space, which is exploring the feasibility of using  space-based data centres to tap into extraterrestrial solar energy, and clean energy startup Deep Green, which is commercialising technology that enables sites such as swimming pools to provide free cooling in return for free waste heat.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of premium content. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our premium content, as well as the latest technology news, industry opinion and special reports. 

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address