Google has reported a substantial increase in carbon emissions, rising by nearly 50% compared to 2019 levels, driven largely by the surge in energy demand from its data centres amidst the AI boom. According to Google’s latest environmental report, the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions for 2023 reached 14.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.
The tech giant attributed this rise to heightened energy consumption in its data centres, which saw a notable 17% increase in electricity usage over the past year. Despite this, Google emphasized that all its data centres are matched with 100% global renewable energy.
While data centres are estimated to contribute between 1% and 1.5% of global electricity demand, Google acknowledged that the rapid advancement of AI has drawn increased scrutiny to its energy consumption and resource demands. The company stated, “Our total GHG emissions increased by 13%, underscoring the challenge of reducing emissions amidst growing compute intensity and infrastructure investment to support AI transitions.”
Looking ahead, Google faces a daunting task in meeting its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The company acknowledged the complexity of predicting AI’s future environmental impact but also highlighted AI’s potential to facilitate a low-carbon future.
The expansion of data centres has raised concerns globally. A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that electricity consumption from data centres, AI, and cryptocurrencies could double by 2026. By then, data centres alone could consume electricity equivalent to Japan’s total consumption.
Despite challenges, Google continues to expand its data centre footprint, with recent plans to increase capacity in Dublin’s Grange Castle Business Park, where it already operates two centres. This expansion underscores broader concerns about the strain on local energy grids, such as in Ireland, where data centres are projected to consume nearly a third of the country’s electricity by 2026.
While local regulatory challenges persist, including temporary bans on data centre developments, Google and similar tech giants remain pivotal in navigating the intersection of technological advancement and sustainable energy use.
Related topics:
UiPath CEO Envisions Future of Business Robotics Amidst Advancing AI Integration
Meta Unveils New AI Text-to-3D Generator, Promising Rapid 3D Modeling