With the growth of digital data volumes and the advancement of artificial intelligence, data centers require increasing amounts of electricity. However, the energy infrastructure does not always meet this demand, forcing the industry to seek alternative solutions. One such solution is the transition to Energy Storage Systems (ESS), which allow data center operators to store electricity during low tariff periods and use it during peak consumption times.
According to Sergey Vyshemirsky, IXcellerate CTO, such technologies not only help effectively manage electricity costs but also serve as a backup power source, enhancing the reliability of data center operations during power outages.
Additionally, ESS contribute to load optimization and reduce carbon footprints, which is especially important for compliance with modern environmental standards.
Another strategy involves relocating data centers to regions with more accessible electricity, such as near hydroelectric or nuclear power plants. This approach helps reduce transmission costs and decrease dependence on traditional backup power sources. The use of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal stations, is also one of the trending solution. Although these technologies require significant investments, they help lower carbon footprints and ensure long-term sustainability of energy supply.
In addition, the utilization of excess heat from servers allows it to be used in urban heating systems. Innovative cooling systems, including liquid cooling and free cooling, as well as the use of energy-efficient uninterruptible power supplies, help reduce the overall energy consumption of data centers.
However, as noted by Sergey Vyshemirsky, limiting energy consumption and increasing the efficiency of data centers cannot be achieved solely through the efforts of DC operators. It requires coordinated actions from all participants in the process – developers, scientists, investors, certification centers, commercial companies, and government institutions. Without the formation of an energy-efficient ecosystem, the potential of innovative technologies will not be fully realized. As a result, countries with the most efficient and powerful data centers that have a high level of energy efficiency will gain a significant competitive advantage in the global market.
For more information on solutions for data centers in conditions of electricity shortages, read Sergey Vyshemirsky’s article for the IKS-Media portal.