Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Future Topics for Data Centres

At the recent event 'Datacenter - Sustainable and Secure DC Operation for HPC and Scientific Computing', industry experts came together to discuss the central challenges and opportunities for modern data centres. These form the backbone of the digital infrastructure, but are facing a decisive change: the growing demand for computing power must be combined with the urgent need to operate more sustainably and efficiently. The companies and institutions represented included ABB, agn Niederberghaus & Partner, siganet, GTS engineering firm, Bitkom and VIRZ e.V. The GWDG computing and IT competence centre provided a prime example of sustainable innovation, combining technological excellence with ecological responsibility.

Pioneers in sustainable data centres

The Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Datenverarbeitung Göttingen (GWDG), a joint computing and IT competence centre of the Georg-August University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Society, sets standards for sustainability and efficiency. Its infrastructure meets the highest standards through innovative technologies such as a liquid ice storage system that stores cooling energy and provides it flexibly when needed. This is complemented by state-of-the-art refrigeration technologies and power grids that ensure a secure, sustainable and efficient energy supply.

Energy efficiency as the key to future-proofing

Data centres are among the largest energy consumers in the digital infrastructure. In view of the increasing pressure from regulatory requirements - such as the German Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) - optimising energy consumption is becoming a central task. The EnEfG obliges operators to precisely document and optimise their energy consumption in order to reduce CO₂ emissions. GWDG has shown that such requirements can not only be met through innovative technologies, but can also offer competitive advantages.

Artificial intelligence: a driver of efficiency and security

Another key technology for the future is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). It not only enables the early detection and correction of anomalies, but also increases efficiency in the operation of data centres. The GWDG hosts the AI service centre KISSKI, which is dedicated to the application of AI in safety-critical infrastructures. AI systems can help to increase stability and security in energy supply or healthcare, for example. It is an example of how AI is not just a future trend, but is already a crucial building block for sustainable and secure data centre operations.

IT meets OT: synergies and challenges

The increasing convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is opening up new possibilities for automation and efficiency gains. At the same time, harmonising these two areas places high demands on security and system compatibility. The GWDG is a pioneer in this area, integrating IT and OT systems to unlock new potential for savings. In doing so, it is demonstrating how technological complexity can be managed without compromising operational security.

Future prospects: collaboration and innovation

The challenges facing the data centre industry - increasing energy demand, regulatory requirements and technological upheaval - require innovative approaches and close collaboration between operators, technology providers and experts. The GWDG offers a living example of how sustainability and technological excellence can go hand in hand. Its solutions, such as the liquid ice storage, the integration of AI and the merging of IT and OT, show ways in which data centres can not only increase their efficiency but also actively contribute to climate protection.

The future of the industry lies in the balance between innovation, growth and environmental responsibility. Data centres like the GWDG demonstrate that this path is not only possible, but also urgently necessary in order to meet the requirements of the digital and ecological future.

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