Data centers are facilities that house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems, and are used for the storage, processing, and distribution of large amounts of data. Data centers use a significant amount of energy globally, as they require a constant supply of power to keep their systems running and to keep the data stored on them safe and accessible.
According to estimates, data centers use approximately 3% of the world's total electricity, which is equivalent to the total electricity consumption of the entire United Kingdom. In 2019, data centers consumed approximately 200 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity globally, and this figure is expected to increase in the coming years as the amount of data generated and stored continues to grow.
The energy consumption of data centers is a concern because it contributes to carbon emissions and can have negative impacts on the environment. Efforts are being made to improve the energy efficiency of data centers and to reduce their energy consumption through the use of energy-saving technologies and practices.