The Economist: Data centres improved greatly in energy efficiency as they grew massively larger
January 29, 2024 As the use of technology increases, the need for data centers follows suit. In 2022 data centers used between 240 and 500 terawatt-hours of electricity, roughly 1-2% of that consumed worldwide, up from 0.5% in 2000. Projects to connect data centers have been paused to ensure utility companies have the capability to supply sufficient enough electricity. As data centers are built in other countries with less restraints such as Maryland and Malaysia, long-term energy storage has come into conversation. Many companies such as Google and Microsoft are investing in alternative storage technologies.