Data Centre Magazine February 2024 | Page 128

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
the impact of the densities on data centres ’ physical infrastructure , the paper talks through the resulting challenges , providing guidance on power , cooling , racks and software management .
“ Everyone talks about AI nowadays ,” Makarochkina says . “ It is something that has had an impact on our lives in a positive way , and naturally has had a major impact on data centres . It is extremely important that the integration of AI applications in data centres be approached in a sustainable manner .”
AI already represents 4.3GW of data centre power demand today , with a projection of that figure potentially growing 26 % to 36 %, resulting in up to 20GW by 2028 .
“ This significantly outpaces the growth of data centre power demand at the moment ,” Makarochkina adds , sharing that AI already accounts for 11 % of data centre power . “ We really need to understand how to be more efficient . It ’ s important to make sure that , when we talk about AI , we ’ re talking not only about large data centres but also about edge data centres .”
Calling for emphasis on how to monitor and manage edge data centres , as well as how to combine growing AI with sustainability along with climate obligations , Schneider Electric is using its position to pioneer sustainability – where it has saved 440 million tonnes of CO₂ , 90 million alone in 2022 – driving meaningful and lifechanging innovation .
Makarochkina continues : “ Our whitepaper discusses how the disruption caused by AI has led to significant changes and challenges in data centre design and operations , as
128 February 2024