Generative AI’s rapid growth is significantly impacting data centers, leading to increased electricity consumption and projected energy use in Europe potentially tripling by 2030. France is witnessing an 11% annual growth in data centers, with plans for substantial investments in infrastructure. Environmental concerns arise from their carbon footprint, emphasizing the need for improved energy efficiency strategies. Minimizing water use and integrating renewable energy sources are crucial, alongside optimizing locations to benefit local communities and reduce environmental impact.
The Growing Impact of Generative AI on Data Centers
The rapid expansion of generative AI is leading to significant consequences, particularly in the realm of cloud resources. Large language models (LLMs) demand substantial computational power, especially during their training phases, which in turn is causing a marked increase in electricity consumption within data centers.
A recent study highlights that the surge in AI technology is reshaping “the dynamics of the energy market.” If this trend continues, energy usage in European data centers could nearly triple, climbing from approximately 62 terawatt-hours (TWh) today to over 150 TWh by the decade’s end.
By 2030, data centers are projected to consume about 5% of the total energy in Europe, an increase from the current 2%. To support this growing need for computing power, an investment exceeding $250 to $300 billion in data center infrastructure will be necessary, not including the costs associated with energy production.
The Rise of Data Centers in France
The number of data centers is expanding at an annual rate of 11%. France, with major hubs in Île-de-France and Marseille, is particularly experiencing this surge in demand. A report from EY indicates that there were around 250 data centers in France in 2022, with expectations for an annual growth rate of 11% over the next decade. The data center industry plans to invest approximately 12 billion euros in this timeframe, primarily focused on the Paris area.
Digital Reality, a major American operator, is already planning to invest 2 billion euros in building a massive facility in Dugny, aiming to create a technological powerhouse capable of generating 200 megawatts—equivalent to 20% of the output of an EPR nuclear reactor, as reported by Les Echos.
This dramatic increase in computational load has raised concerns among environmental agencies. A joint study by Ademe and Arcep reveals that data centers contribute 16% to the carbon footprint of digital technology, significantly behind terminals at 79%. However, when accounting for data centers located outside of France, their share of the carbon footprint rises from 16% to 42%.
To tackle these environmental challenges, Ademe proposes several strategies for enhancing energy efficiency by over 50%. Key areas for improvement include:
– **Servers**
– **Cooling systems**
– **Backup power supplies**
The Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) metric serves as a crucial measure of energy efficiency in data centers, reflecting the total energy consumed relative to the energy used for computing tasks. In France, the average PUE stands at 1.7, while it is 1.6 in the European Union, both of which should ideally trend towards the optimal value of 1.2 for new installations.
Experts recommend utilizing free cooling techniques, which leverage outdoor air temperatures for server cooling. Additionally, liquid or immersion cooling methods can reduce energy consumption and effectively manage energy density challenges.
Minimizing Resource Consumption and Environmental Impact
It is essential to minimize water usage in data centers, which can be tracked using the Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) indicator, indicating liters consumed per kWh of electricity used. Furthermore, while the integration of renewable electricity is vital, it must not compromise energy efficiency or the development of new energy production capabilities, particularly on-site photovoltaic systems.
Data center backup batteries can also play a vital role in the electricity demand flexibility market, providing essential support during peak demand periods.
The careful selection of data center locations is crucial for minimizing environmental harm, aligning with the goal of achieving “Zero net land artificialization” by 2050. Moreover, the establishment of a data center can benefit local communities. By recycling waste heat, it is possible to provide heating for homes, offices, or recreational facilities like swimming pools, creating a win-win scenario for both the facility and its surroundings.