Datos verdes: eficiencia y sostenibilidad en la era digital

The rapid growth of the digital world has led to a surge in energy consumption, with data centers and networks now accounting for 1% to 1.5% of global electricity use—a figure that continues to rise. In response, Europe is taking proactive steps to align digital expansion with climate goals through initiatives like the Green Cloud & Green Data Centres. These efforts emphasize the use of renewable energy, improved efficiency, and the reuse of waste heat, supported by the EU Code of Conduct on Data Centre Energy Efficiency, which sets standards such as continuous energy monitoring, optimized cooling, and circular infrastructure design.

Technological innovation is also playing a critical role. As AI models grow larger and more complex, energy efficiency becomes strategic, driving adoption of advanced cooling methods like liquid cooling and immersion. Companies like Equinix are leading by example, integrating renewable energy and cutting-edge cooling technologies to achieve low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). Additionally, edge computing reduces energy use by processing data closer to its source, while hardware advancements—such as Amazon Web Services’ energy-efficient chips—further lower consumption. The reuse of server-generated heat for district heating enhances overall efficiency and economic viability. With forthcoming EU legislation targeting data center climate neutrality by 2030, the digital economy is poised to enter a crucial decade where sustainable growth hinges on reducing energy intensity, marking a necessary shift toward an energy-conscious digital revolution.