The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has appointed Emergent group Managing Director, Dr Glenn Platt, to lead the development of a pivotal market strategy board white paper on data centre energy efficiency.
The IEC is a global organisation, writing the standards that guide the operation and interoperability of many of the world’s electrical systems and devices. The Commission’s work ensures that everything from light bulbs to power grids functions safely and efficiently.
Today, one of the most pressing challenges facing the global electrical system is the explosive growth of data centre energy consumption.
These digital warehouses, the backbone of our modern economy and communication, consume truly huge and rapidly growing amounts of energy.
Glenn recently travelled to London for the inaugural meeting of the IEC’s project team Data Centre Energy Efficiency.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to have been asked to lead this team. This appointment represents a significant opportunity to lead a critical global conversation about the future of digital infrastructure and its environmental impact,” said Glenn.
The IEC project team includes around 40 individuals, representing the world’s largest data centre operators, data centre developers, data centre equipment manufacturers, electricity network operators and regulators and worldwide standards organisations.
The silent energy crisis
Current forecasts for this massive and increasing demand are alarming. Data centres are predicted to eventually consume up to 10% of the world’s total electricity production, causing significant challenges for electricity grid operators globally.
In many regions, the rapid proliferation of new data centres strains existing infrastructure, leading to questions about stability and resource allocation.
Glenn believes this challenge also presents a unique opportunity.
“If managed correctly, data centres could actually ease the transition to a zero-carbon electricity system. This will require data centre operators and regulators to take a strategic focus on efficiency, flexibility and grid integration,” said Glenn.
The critical need for global standards
The disparity in current operating practices and the absence of unified metrics across the industry demonstrate a major need for international standards to help coordinate and improve data centre energy issues.
Without common standards, global efforts to manage consumption, integrate with renewable energy sources, and mandate efficiency improvements will remain fragmented and ineffective.
This IEC White Paper exercise is a collaborative effort designed to solve that problem. Its goals are comprehensive:
- Investigate what specific standards are required to measure and enforce true energy efficiency across all facets of data centre design and operation.
- Determine how regulatory processes can accelerate the uptake of low-emissions and environmentally responsible data centres.
- Provide a clear, actionable plan on how to address the data centre energy challenge, guiding the industry toward sustainable growth.
Glenn is looking forward to working with this exceptional international group to deliver a clear and effective roadmap for the world’s digital future.
“The outcome of this White Paper will lay the groundwork for a new generation of IEC standards, ensuring that data centres evolve from being a major energy sink to becoming highly efficient, reliable, and active partners in a sustainable electrical grid,” said Glenn.
