Amazon and Microsoft want to go big on data centres, but the power grid can't support them
Power shortages in Ireland threaten to scupper plans by cloud giants AWS, Equinix and Microsoft to expand their data center footprints.
Power shortages in Ireland threaten to scupper plans by cloud giants AWS, Equinix and Microsoft to expand their data center footprints.
Researchers have found that data centers' unused batteries could be re-purposed to support the grid and assist the switch to renewable energy.
Data centre giant Equinix said its SY5 facility will be the largest IBX in Australia when fully built, with more than 9,200 cabinets expected.
Dug Technology said its Geraldton-based HPC campus will be completely powered by solar and wind. Plans to install an onsite hydrogen battery system are also being investigated.
To be built on a temporary land area spanning 40 acres, the "modular" system is expected to generate 80,000 megawatt hours of energy annually, which will be tapped to power Amazon's operations including data centres and fulfilment facilities.
Technology companies have set ambitious goals for themselves, but more needs to be done if they are to make good on their promises.
As new facilities open in Europe, the company has renewed its commitment to a carbon-free future.
The cloud provider is expanding its European footprint, in line with its commitments to the environment.
The social media giant has announced new sustainability goals and a Climate Science Information Center.
"Multi-year" partnership will see Google paying for energy generated from solar panels installed on 500 public housing flats across Singapore, tapping it to power its local operations.