Green data centers are becoming increasingly pivotal within the digital economy, optimizing energy usage and protecting the environment. This trend is not just significant; it's necessary. VNPT IDC, one of the largest data center operations in Vietnam, is at the forefront of this evolution, showcasing how technological advancements can pivotally influence sustainability.
Data centers are indispensable infrastructures supporting our digital economy. Yet, they are also among the largest energy consumers. A report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) states data centers, including those used for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, consumed approximately 460 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy in 2022, accounting for nearly 2% of global electricity demand. This figure is expected to surge to 1,000 TWh by 2026, driven by the explosive growth of cloud computing, AI, and digital services.
Within Vietnam, energy consumption by data centers is forecast to reach 169.8 megawatts (MW) by 2024 and 242.4 MW by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.38%, according to Research And Markets. To put this consumption rate in perspective, 1 MW can supply electricity to approximately 800 to 1,000 homes for one year under normal usage conditions, indicating a booming market to meet the burgeoning demand for data storage and processing.
Nevertheless, as the digital economy flourishes, the desire for green, energy-efficient data centers complying with international standards has become increasingly prioritized. Developed countries have enacted rigorous policies to encourage the establishment of green data centers. For example, the European Union mandates owners of data centers with power consumption exceeding 500kW to report their energy efficiency performance annually. Germany has set energy performance standards, requiring existing data centers to maintain Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) below 1.5 by July 2026 and below 1.2 for new facilities. Singapore only issues permits for data centers with PUE below 1.3.
Leading tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are also investing heavily in data centers powered entirely by renewable energy, striving to drastically reduce carbon emissions. This global push not only highlights the urgent necessity for sustainable practices within the tech industry but also places substantial pressure on data center operators to evolve.
VNPT is proactively pursuing the green data center initiative. With eight data centers strategically located across major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, VNPT is committed to adapting its facilities to green practices. VNPT’s data centers are not just focused on storage and data security; they are also about making operations cost-effective through energy efficiency.
One significant step includes leveraging renewable energy sources. VNPT is incrementally transitioning its data operations to utilize solar and wind energy, significantly cutting carbon footprints and ensuring sustainable operations. By optimizing space and resources, VNPT’s data centers help businesses minimize operational costs, creating effective service delivery processes.
Another pivotal component of VNPT's strategy is its implementation of energy management systems aligned with international standards. Currently, VNPT IDC employs the ISO 50001 energy management standard, which provides guidelines for organizations to establish effective energy management systems based on continuous improvement models.
Utilizing VNPT IDC means more than accessing cutting-edge infrastructure; it also affords various benefits such as reduced operating costs via energy-efficient technology, adherence to ESG standards for raising credibility and attracting investments, and high security ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2013. The 24/7 support service ensures business continuity, aligning with the rigidity needed as digital transformation becomes increasingly predominant.
The emergence of green data centers is truly becoming non-negotiable as digital transformation and sustainable development take center stage. With VNPT's strategic investment and application of green technologies, it stands as a beacon of progress within Vietnam's data center industry, contributing to the sustainable growth of the IT sector.
Choosing VNPT IDC enables businesses to optimize their operations and protect the environment. This choice advances not only individual company goals but also aligns with the broader aim of achieving a green digital economy. For more details on VNPT IDC services, customers can reach out to the 24/7 helpline at VNPT 18001260 or visit their website at https://idc.vnpt.vn/.