Cloud computing projected to cut data center energy use over next decade

Cloud computing is forecast to cut worldwide data center energy usage by 38 percent in 2020, according to Pike Research.

Pike, which specializes in cleantech, said that cloud computing has garnered a lot of attention for its efficiency and cost savings, but not has much focus has been on energy consumption.

According to Pike, the adoption of cloud computing should lead to the following scenario.

• Data centers will consume 139.8 terawatt hours of electricity in 2020 due to cloud computing adoption, down from 31 percent from 201.8 terawatt hours in 2010.
• Cloud computing will also lead to a decline in total data center energy costs from $23.3 billion in 2010 to $16 billion in 2020.
• That decline will also cut greenhouse gases by 28 percent in 2020 compared to 2010.

Pike defines cloud computing as everything from platform to software to infrastructure as a service.

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com