Experts call for zero-carbon datacentres to curb soaring power use
Analysts argue that future data hubs should generate all their electricity on site and eliminate CO2 emissions, warning that planned facilities could outpace the UK's total power consumption.
Research shows that upcoming data centre projects could demand more electricity than the entire United Kingdom, with emissions potentially surpassing ExxonMobil's output. The commentary recommends that each facility be required to produce its own power and achieve zero carbon emissions, leveraging extensive roof space for solar panels, wind turbines, battery banks and scrubbers. It also points out the irony of high water consumption by these sites amid drought conditions, fueling community protests.
While acknowledging the societal need for digital storage and transmission, the author stresses that much of the data traffic is superfluous, citing a study that a single reduced thank-you email per person daily could save over 16,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. To curb digital waste, a modest government levy on electronic communications is proposed, mirroring postal charges for letters.
Why it matters
Data centres' energy use threatens climate goals; policy changes could force greener, self-sufficient operations.
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