Have you ever asked yourself if a data center uses renewable energy? The answer is a bit more complex than you might think.
Why? Because servers require a constant supply of energy. Solar and wind energy depend on the elements, and data centers require facilities that can supply them with reliable electricity from the grid.
• On-site solar & wind: Some companies install panels or turbines on site, at their data centers.
• Energy efficiency: Some companies try to further reduce the carbon footprint by being more efficient with servers or cooling systems, and use less electricity overall.
It's not perfect, but it's heading in the right way. And, quite frankly, that's exciting whether you care about tech or the planet.
Why Data Centers Care About Green Energy
Data centers consume an incredible amount of electricity. Servers are running 24/7, and cooling systems prevent servers from overheating. The associated operating costs is high and energy consumption is high too. Companies want to lessen their footprint on the planet and show their customers they care, so they look for ways to utilize solar, wind and renewable energy.What “Green Energy” Means
Even if a data center says it uses renewable energy, it doesn't mean that every server is actually powered by solar panels or wind turbines. Most of the time companies purchase renewable energy credits or support green energy projects somewhere else. Their servers still use the normal power grid for constant energy.Why? Because servers require a constant supply of energy. Solar and wind energy depend on the elements, and data centers require facilities that can supply them with reliable electricity from the grid.
How Companies Are Really Making a Difference
The good news is that, while the transition has been anything but simple, renewable energy is working. Companies are already starting to invest in solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and cleaner systems that help them be more energy-efficient. And, they are slowly reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and increasingly accessing sustainable and reduced-cost energy sources.Some ways they do this:
• Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs): Companies fund renewable energy projects, directly• On-site solar & wind: Some companies install panels or turbines on site, at their data centers.
• Energy efficiency: Some companies try to further reduce the carbon footprint by being more efficient with servers or cooling systems, and use less electricity overall.
The Bottom Line
Renewable energy in datacenters is real, and not always as simple as it sounds. Companies are progressing on the path toward becoming greener, and smarter about energy across the board. Even if they're not 100% solar or wind powered yet, companies are moving toward clean energy.It's not perfect, but it's heading in the right way. And, quite frankly, that's exciting whether you care about tech or the planet.