Digital data demand and renewable energy limits: Forecasting the impacts on global electricity supply and sustainability
Vı́tor Castro, Marios Georgiou, Tom Jackson, Ian R. Hodgkinson, Lisa Jackson, Steve Lockwood
Abstract
This study critically evaluates whether the current and projected generation of renewable energy can meet the escalating global demand for electricity from digital data growth. Our modelling forecasts reveal a concerning trend: despite the expansion in renewable energy capacities, they are likely insufficient to satisfy the burgeoning electricity needs of the digital data sector. More alarmingly, there is a real risk that the demand for digital data could soon exceed feasible electricity production capabilities. This paper underscores the urgent necessity for a data-centric sustainability approach across all supply chains, sectors, industries, and nations. Such measures are crucial to increase efficiency, cut energy usage, and transition towards a decarbonized digital ecosystem, thereby supporting the global pursuit of a sustainable, net-zero future. This research highlights a critical junction in energy policy and digital infrastructure planning, urging immediate action to reconcile digital advancement with ecological sustainability. • Assess whether renewable energy can meet the escalating energy demand by digital data. • Our forecasting model unveils a potential data doomsday scenario. • Despite the expansion in renewable energy, it is insufficient to satisfy the burgeoning needs of digital data. • Demand for digital data could soon exceed feasible electricity production capabilities. • Urgent need for a data-centric sustainability approach across all supply chains, sectors, industries, and nations.