According to a Cushman Wakefield report, AI-related data centre revenue is expected to increase 8,8 times by 2028 compared to 2024. However, AI servers consume five to ten times more power than traditional servers, especially during AI model training, where energy consumption surges. This exponential demand raises critical concerns about whether traditional centralised power grids can continue to support AI-driven data centres. Nations and industries worldwide are facing increasing ‘power scarcity’ challenges, while data centres must also comply with energy efficiency and clean energy policies, further straining electricity supply.
Tech giants investing in diverse energy sources to secure power supply
To ensure a stable power supply for AI operations, major cloud and technology companies are making substantial investments in energy infrastructure. Microsoft and Google are actively exploring nuclear energy technologies to secure stable and efficient power sources, reducing their reliance on traditional power grids. Meanwhile, Amazon is investing heavily in clean energy initiatives, including large-scale solar and wind power projects, complemented by energy storage solutions. These efforts aim to stabilise AI data centre operations during peak demand periods while mitigating risks associated with grid instability.
Transitioning from backup power to hybrid energy management
Traditionally, data centres relied on N+1 or 2N+1 backup power systems to ensure operational stability in the event of single or multiple failures. However, as AI workloads push power consumption to unprecedented levels, and as diverse energy technologies emerge, data centres are shifting from traditional backup power strategies to hybrid energy management. By integrating advanced smart grids and microgrid technologies, data centres can dynamically allocate power resources, optimising energy efficiency. AI-driven energy management systems further refine power distribution strategies, reducing waste, enhancing operational performance, and enabling more flexible energy deployment.
Embracing hybrid energy and sustainability
Next-generation AI data centres will adopt more flexible and efficient power supply models. Hybrid energy infrastructures will become the standard, combining traditional power grids, renewable energy and energy storage solutions to ensure reliability while pursuing carbon neutrality. However, this transformation presents new challenges, such as integrating multiple energy sources, enhancing power infrastructure monitoring, improving data communication efficiency, and refining energy management strategies. As advancements in smart grids and clean energy technologies continue, AI data centres are poised to enter an era of high efficiency and low carbon emissions, providing a stable and sustainable power foundation for global AI computing.
Why choose between Capex and Opex if you can Totex? Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
In a sector marked by cyclical demand, high capital intensity, and increasing regulatory and sustainability pressures, mining, minerals and metals (MMM) companies are re-evaluating how they approach procurement and investment.
Read more...AI and the smart factory Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Imagine walking into a factory where machines can think ahead, predict problems before they happen and automatically make adjustments to realise peak performance. This isn’t science fiction, it’s happening right now as AI continues to transform how we run industrial operations.
Read more...Why your supply chain should be a competitive advantage Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The last five years have placed unprecedented strain on global supply chains. Leading companies are turning the challenge into an opportunity to transform their supply chains into a competitive advantage.
Read more...Why AI will never truly understand machines Wearcheck
IT in Manufacturing
Cutting-edge technology and solutions powered by AI are embraced by specialist condition monitoring company, WearCheck, where the extreme accuracy of data used to assess and diagnose machine health is paramount.
Read more...Buildings and microgrids for a greener future Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Buildings are no longer passive consumers of power. Structures of almost every size are evolving into dynamic energy ecosystems capable of generating, storing and distributing their own electricity. Forming part of this exciting transformation are microgrids.
Read more...Traditional data centres are not fit for purpose
IT in Manufacturing
Traditional data centre designs are falling short, with nearly half of IT leaders admitting their current infrastructure does not support energy or carbon-reduction goals. New research commissioned by Lenovo reveals that data centre design must evolve to future-proof businesses.
Read more...AI agents for digital environment management in SA
IT in Manufacturing
The conversation about artificial intelligence in South Africa has shifted rapidly over the past year. Among the technologies changing the pace of business are AI agents - autonomous, task-driven systems designed to operate with limited human input.
Read more...AI-powered maintenance in future-ready data centres Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The data centre marketplace often still relies on outdated maintenance methods to manage mission-critical equipment. Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) is powered by AI and is fast becoming a necessity in ensuring both competitiveness and resilience.
Read more...Powering up data centre mega development
IT in Manufacturing
Parker Hannifin has secured a major contract to supply key equipment for nearly 30 aeroderivative gas turbines powering a new hyperscale data centre in Texas.
Read more...Building resilient supply chains through smarter e-procurement RS South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
In a time of constant disruption, from supply chain uncertainty to rising operational costs, businesses that embrace digital procurement are better positioned to stay competitive and resilient.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version