The new VDE Info publication from the VDE Information Technology Society (VDE ITG) outlines possible solutions. Data centers form the backbone of the digital infrastructure. Among other things, they enable data processing, cloud services, and AI applications – the latter of which are causing a massive increase in the demand for computing power. Consider the Meta Group's so-called High-Performance Computing Data Center (HPC DC) in Louisiana, which is projected to require five gigawatts of electricity. That is seven times the average continuous power output of the city of Munich.
Greater efficiency is feasible
The good news: high-performance data centers are being used under heavy load for generative AI applications. There, computing is heavily optimized for high data throughput. As a result, HPC data centers not only deliver significantly more computing power per kilowatt-hour but can also reduce energy consumption for cooling by more than 20 percent in some cases with the help of AI applications. Such facts are of the utmost importance for political debates. The goal is to convince the public of the need for modern data centers in Germany and to pursue solutions that comprehensively contribute to the common good. At the same time, it is important to provide companies with reliable prospects for investing in AI infrastructure. Key topics are:
- Identify location advantages: Metropolitan areas are only partially suitable for the development of new HPC data centers due to limited building space and potential grid bottlenecks. Instead, the focus should shift to medium-sized cities. VDE highlights the grid connection requirements for data centers.
- Pick up the pace: The construction of industrial facilities such as HPC data centers affects many people. Policymakers must prioritize the relevant planning and permit procedures, taking technical requirements into account. VDE is available to provide expert assessments of specific plans.
- Expand power grids: Modern data centers require a great deal of electrical energy. The grid capacity required for this must be determined jointly by policymakers and utility operators. The need for optimization extends beyond the technical aspects. Policymakers need to work more closely with network operators and planners on the construction of data centers in order to drive expansion forward.
- Reward flexibility: Data center operators should receive incentives to manage their electricity demand flexibly. This relieves the strain on power grids while ensuring security of supply.
