Stepping into the Future of Australia’s IT Infrastructure with Confidence
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Loading... - Ervin Sera
- 06 Jan 2025
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As we approach 2025, data centres are increasingly making headlines as the backbone of our digital world. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and a growing demand for computational power, the landscape of data centres is evolving rapidly. According to McKinsey, the soaring demand for AI-ready data centres presents numerous opportunities for companies and data centre providers, but the speed at which they capitalize on these opportunities could significantly influence the pace of AI deployment.
Data centres are significant energy consumers and are driving growth in electricity demand across many regions, as noted by the International Energy Agency (IEA). A substantial portion of this energy is dedicated to cooling hardware to prevent overheating and ensure stability. In Australia, high-density data centre operations have surged over the past year, with the market size expected to reach 3.18 thousand MW by 2029, growing at a rate of 3.60%. Whether operated by service providers or as private environments, the demand for faster and more efficient infrastructure has never been higher.
As cloud services and AI continue to proliferate, industry leaders are tasked with meeting current adoption demands while also delivering on energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Business leaders can enhance their sustainability and energy efficiency without sacrificing the use of innovative technologies by implementing key strategies.
The demand for infrastructure is skyrocketing, with AI driving unprecedented growth. A study by ADAPT predicts that compute needs will increase by 35% within the next two years. However, organizations face challenges related to rising data demands and energy efficiency. Improvements can be made in hardware, such as using variable speed drives (VSDs) or economizers. Traditional air-cooling solutions often struggle with the heat loads generated by high-performance computing, but advancements in immersion cooling and direct-liquid-to-chip (DL2C) technologies offer significant improvements in cooling efficiency and overall performance.
Importantly, organizations do not need to completely overhaul their facilities to achieve efficiencies. Simple adjustments made by IT administrators can lower energy consumption costs. For instance, throttling fan speeds of ICT equipment during periods of lower processing demand can lead to substantial energy savings without compromising performance or stability. Deploying software to dynamically adjust cooling settings based on environmental factors and server activity can further enhance energy efficiency.
Additionally, wasted heat is often an underrated source of energy. Utilizing waste heat directly or for cooling via absorption chillers can reduce costs by more than 50%, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Transitioning to lower-carbon energy sources is another effective strategy for increasing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Installing solar panel arrays and smaller wind turbines can significantly reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. While not every business can implement onsite renewable solutions, there are incremental steps toward a renewable transition.
Community solar programs allow even small businesses to purchase a share of a large-scale solar installation. For those unable to enter into a power purchase agreement immediately, many providers offer financing solutions to help overcome barriers to renewable energy adoption.
Engaging in decarbonization through the purchase of carbon credits is another viable option. These systems enable one company to finance another's efforts to offset emissions, allowing businesses to effectively compensate for their carbon footprint. It is essential to choose a carbon credit system that aligns with your financial and business needs, as these credits are tightly controlled according to internationally recognized standards.
Beyond the environmental benefits, sustainable cooling practices offer measurable advantages for businesses. Lower energy consumption translates to reduced operational costs, resulting in significant financial savings. The journey toward more sustainable data centres relies on innovation and commitment. From adopting energy-efficient hardware to utilizing renewable energy and optimizing cooling technologies, every step counts. Even simple adjustments, such as throttling fan speeds during low workloads, can lead to meaningful energy savings without compromising performance.
The future of Australia’s data centre development and energy efficiency does not have to be contentious. By implementing solutions such as energy-efficient infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and sustainable cooling practices, businesses can thrive in this evolving landscape. The advancement of Australia’s data centre sector presents exciting opportunities for growth and innovation, and organizations that embrace these changes will be well-positioned to enhance their operations holistically. As we step into the future, the potential for a more sustainable and efficient IT infrastructure is within reach.
