Startups are developing offshore wind-powered data centers, geothermal energy and cooling technologies to address data centers’ energy and water use. Microsoft says it has sourced 40 gigawatts of new carbon-free energy across 26 countries, with 19 GW online.
The climate technologies featured include Aikido Technologies’ floating offshore data centers powered by wind, with a first demonstration planned in Norway next year, and Zanskar’s use of AI to identify geothermal resources and develop power plants. HT Materials Science develops heat-transfer fluids, while Ecolab has become increasingly involved in direct-to-chip liquid cooling for data centers. EnergiRaven focuses on capturing and using waste heat.
Microsoft general manager of energy and carbon Brian Marrs said the company has sourced 40 gigawatts of new carbon-free energy across 26 countries through more than 400 contracts with over 95 utilities and developers. Of that contracted volume, 19 GW are online, and the rest are slated to come online over the next five years. Microsoft also launched a data-center-focused climate tech incubator this year with University of Washington CoMotion Labs and investor network E8.
Data centers account for about 0.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, while their power demand is expected to rise sharply as companies build AI infrastructure. ClientEarth lawyer Natascha Hospedales called for a pause in data center expansion until it can operate within planetary and societal limits.
