Fast, Flexible Energy Solutions for Data Centers

RMI and co-authors analyze the impact of data center growth on electricity demand and propose solutions for reliability and affordability.

• Data centers currently use 2% of global electricity and may account for 10% of projected demand growth (2024-2030), but are not the main driver of global load growth.
• Utilities risk overbuilding and raising ratepayer costs by over-forecasting demand; solutions include energy efficiency, demand flexibility, grid-enhancing technologies, and co-location with renewables. Singapore’s Green Data Center Roadmap aims to free up 300 MW (over 20% of its data center load) via efficiency and renewables. China’s East-to-West Computing Resource Transfer Project could cut sector emissions by 16–20% and generate $53B in economic benefits.