Can data centers run on 100% renewable energy? The UN thinks so

July 23, 2025

The call by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for Big Tech companies to power their data centers with 100% renewable energy by 2030 highlights the growing tension between the rapid expansion of AI-driven data demands and the urgent need to transition to sustainable energy sources.

Energy transition and renewables

The article discusses the declining costs and increasing adoption of renewable energy, as well as the obstacles, such as intermittency and storage, that come with transitioning away from fossil fuels to meet large-scale energy needs.

Data center power demands

According to Antonio Guterres and industry sources, data centers are projected to require massive amounts of electricity, potentially straining current grids and shaping energy infrastructure decisions.

Big Tech commitments and challenges

While major technology companies have announced clean energy and net-zero targets, the article notes that achieving renewable operations remains complex, often involving offsets and power deals rather than direct, round-the-clock renewable supply.

 

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