Energy-Aware Operation of Data Centers Towards Low-Carbon Future

Abstract: The explosive growth of the digital economy and artificial intelligence has significantly increased data center (DC) energy consumption. Thus, leveraging DC's energy consumption flexibility becomes a crucial challenge to enhance DC’s energy efficiency and reduce its carbon emissions. This talk explores the energy-aware operation of DC towards a low-carbon future. The spatial-temporal flexibility of computing jobs is investigated and potential applications to enhance the sustainable operation of DC and environmental-friendly operation of power systems are discussed. Also, some pilot experiments and projects using such kinds of technology will be illustrated. The major engineering and political barriers to implement such type of technology will also be discussed.