Digital data is generated by humans in every corner of the world, and the creation and consumption of digital data is growing rapidly. Data centres alone consume more power than the entire UK and are estimated to contain 65% dark data – digital knowledge assets that are used once and then forgotten about.
Dr Castro presented a recent article on 'Digital Data Demand and Renewable Energy Limits: Forecasting the Impacts on Global Electricity Supply and Sustainability' at the University of Oxford’s ZERO Institute. This article stems from research led by the Loughborough Business School Digital Decarb Design Group.
This research shows the world’s current trajectory towards a 'data doomsday'. Based on current energy projections, it is forecasted that global electricity supply from renewable energy sources will be unable to meet demand from digital data in 2025.
This demand, coupled with competition for limited renewable energy resources, risks increasing reliance on fossil fuels, especially during periods of peak energy demand. Moreover, if energy consumption by digital data continues unabated, electricity demand driven by data could exceed global electricity production by 2033.
Dr Castro said: “The chance to deliver this talk to the Oxford ZERO Institute was a great opportunity to raise awareness of this critical issue. It is essential that we highlight the need for economic development to be carefully balanced with environmental responsibility.
“The hope of our team is that these forecasts will help to foster policies that champion energy efficiency, reduce data waste, and encourage a shift towards a greener digital infrastructure.”