Data centers are a revelation in energy efficiency and are driving the clean energy transition

March 3, 2023 – Virginia Mercury

When it comes to the future of data centers in the commonwealth, some of the recent public conversation has centered on whether and how much the industry impacts the environment. Often, a narrow focus is placed on the amount of electricity consumed by data centers; it is significant, and the industry has never shied away from the fact. 

However, what receives less attention are the energy and climate benefits unlocked by data centers. For a fuller picture of this industry, it’s important to consider what data center energy usage represents (or, what functions it supports in our economy), how efficiently it is consumed and the sources of supply.