The rapid increase in the number of users and connected smart devices, as well as the accelerated growth of the Artificial Intelligence sector, is driving up data traffic, leading to rising energy consumption. Data centers, which consumed approximately 460 TWh globally in 2022, could need over 1,000 TWh by 2026, equivalent to Japan’s annual energy consumption, according to the 2024 International Energy Agency (IEA) report.
The largest players in the global data center industry are taking decisive steps toward green energy and sustainability. What motivates them?
Green Energy and Sustainability: The Pillars of Competitive Data Centers
By transitioning to renewable energy sources, data centers significantly reduce their carbon footprint, aligning with global environmental goals. The shift is not just about energy sources but also about optimizing energy usage within the facilities. Data centers are increasingly adopting advanced technologies, more efficient cooling systems, and energy-saving equipment. As a result, they reduce electricity consumption, which translates to lower operational costs, lower rates for clients, and improved performance. As energy efficiency becomes a priority, these measures also enhance operational resilience by reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.
Adopting green energy is essential for regulatory compliance, given the growing global regulations on energy consumption and emissions. Data centers implementing sustainable practices will be better positioned to comply with these evolving rules, avoiding penalties and reducing long-term operational risks. Although the initial investment in renewable energy infrastructure can be substantial, the long-term benefits are significant. Among them are lower energy bills, tax incentives, and reduced operational costs, making renewable energy a more financially viable option.
Equally important is the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. Both businesses and consumers increasingly prefer to collaborate with organizations that emphasize sustainability. By adopting green energy, data centers not only improve their reputation but also attract environmentally conscious clients, positioning themselves as leaders in a market that values corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, the push for greener solutions accelerates technological innovations, such as developing energy storage systems, enabling better energy management during peak periods and improving the reliability and efficiency of data centers.
M247 Bucharest Data Center Operates 100% on Renewable Energy
During second part of 2024, the M247 data center in Bucharest operated 100% on green energy, sourced exclusively from solar and wind units. With a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.45 – below the European average of 1.6 – M247 Europe contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of its clients’ IT infrastructure and supports achieving of sustainability goals.
Reducing energy consumption is a priority for M247 Europe. Servers and network equipment require a significant amount of energy to operate efficiently. Organizations managing their IT internally have a higher carbon footprint, especially if they do not use advanced technologies. Professional data centers, like those operated by M247, are more efficient, benefiting from scaling and resource optimization, and consuming less energy per processing unit. That’s why we are considering a shift towards AMD and ARM processors, which are more energy-efficient.
M247 works directly with green energy suppliers, a key aspect of its sustainability strategy. Moreover, data centers offer redundancy, physical and cybersecurity, as well as 24/7 support from specialized engineers. M247 Europe places a strong emphasis on green energy, given the ambitious goals of the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). As mentioned earlier, according to the IEA, data centers consumed about 1.3% of global electricity in 2022, and this percentage could reach 3% by 2026, with additional growth driven by the accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence and GPU servers.
To address this growth, M247’s strategy focuses on long-term investments in more efficient technologies, including advanced power and cooling systems, as well as solutions for recovering heat generated by IT equipment, thus maintaining lower energy consumption per processing unit.
By adopting renewable energy and optimizing energy efficiency, M247 not only supports its clients in achieving their sustainability goals but also contributes to transforming the data center industry, demonstrating that technological progress can go hand in hand with protecting the planet.
