The Sustainable Future of Data Center Energy
The rapid growth of digitalization, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, has created a significant challenge for global energy infrastructure. In Indonesia, this phenomenon is no different. Electricity consumption in data centers is projected to increase dramatically, raising concerns about the electrical grid’s capacity and overall sustainability. For a decade, from 2010 to 2020, data center energy consumption worldwide remained relatively flat despite exponential data growth. However, since 2020, a clear “trend break” has emerged, where energy consumption began to rise in line with data growth. This shift is largely driven by energy-intensive workloads such as AI and cloud computing.
To address this alarming trend, an industry-led approach is necessary to “bend the curve” of energy growth. By making continuous efficiency improvements in infrastructure and technology, it is possible to significantly reduce energy consumption. This is an effort that aligns perfectly with the mission of Climanusa, which is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient data center infrastructure solutions. As a leading Distributor AC data center Indonesia, Climanusa understands the critical role that physical infrastructure plays in achieving energy sustainability.
The Role of PUE and Infrastructure Efficiency
One of the key metrics for measuring data center efficiency is Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). PUE is the ratio of the total energy used by a data center to the energy used by the IT equipment. The closer the PUE is to 1.0, the more efficient the data center is. Over the years, the average PUE has continued to trend downward, from 2.0 in 2010 to 1.51 in 2024, indicating a constant improvement in efficiency. However, to truly bend the energy curve, a more ambitious effort is required. There needs to be an industry-wide push to ensure all new data centers achieve a PUE of 1.2, and 10% of existing data centers achieve a PUE of 1.3 by 2030. These improvements alone can reduce data center energy consumption by 3.6%.
PUE improvements rely heavily on innovations in physical infrastructure, which is Climanusa’s core expertise. One of the most significant areas for efficiency gains is cooling systems. Advanced cooling solutions, such as liquid-cooled servers and efficient chillers, can dramatically reduce the energy required to cool IT equipment. By switching to liquid cooling, data centers can decrease their reliance on high-energy fans, which in turn lowers operational costs. Furthermore, advanced chillers can operate at higher water temperatures, which is beneficial for both free cooling and waste heat recovery. Climanusa provides cooling solutions that are optimized to maximize efficiency and reduce overall PUE, supporting the industry’s efforts to curb its energy footprint.
Beyond cooling, efficiency gains also apply to uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and power conversion systems. The efficiency of a UPS has progressed from 85-92% years ago to 94-99% today. These advancements have been driven by technological innovations like eco-mode. By leveraging such technologies, companies can ensure that every kilowatt of power is used as efficiently as possible. Row and rack-based cooling architectures are also designed to capture and reject heat more efficiently by minimizing air mixing and directing airflow along the shortest paths. Climanusa, as a premier solution provider, offers a product line that not only meets but exceeds these efficiency standards.
Optimizing IT Performance and Computing Innovation
While PUE is crucial, the biggest lever for bending the energy curve is the improvement in the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) performance factor. This factor measures the ICT energy consumption per unit of data generated (TWh/ZB). While PUE provides a 3.6% energy savings by 2030, improvements in the ICT performance factor can yield a much larger savings of 14.4%. This is possible through the full adoption of accelerated computing platforms for AI, continued acceleration of central processing units (CPU), graphics processing units (GPU), and memory, and the use of intelligent software algorithms to fully utilize compute.
Examples of these innovations include the latest generation of GPUs that enable organizations to train AI models four times faster with up to 25 times better energy efficiency, and NPU (Neural Processing Unit) core architectures that offer up to 2x projected power efficiency for generative AI workloads. Technology companies are also developing power-efficient architectures, such as 3D stacking technologies and chiplet designs. These technologies improve on-chip memory capacity and bandwidth while conserving energy. In addition, techniques that adjust processor clock speed and voltage based on workload demands, known as Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS), further enhance power efficiency.
While the focus on ICT may seem outside the scope of physical infrastructure, there is a powerful collaboration between the ICT and infrastructure industries. An example of this is the alignment on liquid cooling supply temperature, flow rates, and quality to work in harmony with server equipment. With a clear, uniform roadmap, the infrastructure industry can better tune its associated cooling offers. Climanusa works closely with technology leaders to ensure that its infrastructure solutions are compatible with and optimized for the most advanced and energy-efficient ICT hardware.
Sustainability Through Collaboration and Innovation
The future of data centers in Indonesia lies in a shared commitment to energy efficiency. It’s not just about using better technology; it’s about setting ambitious goals and collaborating across industries. By establishing aggressive PUE targets and adopting more efficient ways of computing, companies can significantly reduce energy demand. These efficiency gains, when combined, have the power to change the trajectory of data center energy consumption in Indonesia.
In addition to PUE and ICT improvements, “behind the meter” energy resources can further reduce the strain on the electrical grid. Data centers that deploy their own power generation, such as solid oxide fuel cells with natural gas or green hydrogen, can alleviate pressure on the public grid. Every megawatt of generation put in place saves 8.76 TWh.
Climanusa is a Distributor AC data center Indonesia with a vision to support this sustainability push. By providing cutting-edge infrastructure solutions that focus on maximum efficiency, the company helps its clients achieve lower PUE targets, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a greener future. Quality, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability are at the heart of every product and service Climanusa offers. We believe that with a proactive, collaborative approach, the data center industry in Indonesia can continue to grow without compromising our planet.
Innovative Solutions to Transform Indonesia’s Data Center Future
Improving efficiency in data centers is not just about technology; it’s about a mindset. It’s about integrating every component of the infrastructure—from precision cooling systems to reliable power solutions—into a cohesive and optimal ecosystem. Climanusa provides such solutions, ensuring our clients have the tools they need to not only meet the ever-increasing demands of digitalization but to do so in an environmentally responsible manner. Our products, ranging from precision AC units designed for ultra-efficient cooling to scalable Modular Chiller solutions, are a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
We invest in research and development to continuously enhance our product portfolio, ensuring that every solution we offer delivers the best performance with the lowest energy consumption. By combining state-of-the-art technology with expert service, Climanusa helps businesses in Indonesia build and operate data centers that are not only robust and reliable but also efficient and sustainable. We help data center developers overcome challenges like energy scarcity and long connection lead times, by providing reliable, energy-saving solutions that reduce the strain on the electrical grid.
The challenges facing the data center industry in Indonesia are immense, but so are the opportunities. By adopting the right technologies and a proactive strategy, we can ensure that digital growth does not come at the expense of our planet’s resources. Climanusa is at the forefront of this effort, working with businesses across Indonesia to build a future where digitalization and sustainability go hand in hand. We are confident that with our innovative solutions, we can bend the energy curve and create a digital legacy that will benefit generations to come.
Climanusa is your best choice for tackling data center energy challenges in Indonesia, bringing efficiency and sustainability to every solution.
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–A.M.G–
