Frankfurt/Main, July 12, 2023 – Whether it is a large corporation, a medium-sized company, or a craft business: numerous companies across almost all industries have accelerated their IT initiatives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, digitalization has gained significant momentum.
At the same time, the increasing demand for data exchange and digital services has shown that successful digitalization is only possible with a high-performance digital infrastructure. This forms the foundation of modern business models. Data centers are the backbone of this infrastructure. Large colocation data centers, in particular, offer companies a suitable platform. This allows them to network with each other or with the cloud to operate their business and implement innovations.
Data centers are on a growth course not only in Germany but worldwide. For example, the global server stock in 2022 amounted to around 85.6 million units. In 2015, it was 58.8 million (Source: Bitkom study 2023).
In Germany, the expansion of cloud computing is the main driver of this growth. By now, 89% of companies already use cloud applications. Accordingly, the capacities of cloud data centers have nearly doubled over the past five years. They rose from 470 MW in 2017 to 880 MW in 2022.
The more energy-efficient and sustainable data centers are operated, the smaller their own ecological footprint becomes. This also reduces the overall ecological footprint of digital solutions. This applies to private households as well as to streaming, internet use, or industrial processes.
“Video conferences instead of business trips, smart heating controls, or intelligent traffic management show the potential inherent in digitalization,” says Evans. Digital solutions can significantly reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
At the same time, the expansion of a green electricity mix must continue to be pushed politically. Requirements for the use of green electricity are only effective if there is sufficient supply.
“Germany needs high-performance and secure data centers. Therefore, data center operators expressly support the goal of further improving their energy balance and making digitalization climate-friendly,” the data center expert concludes.
