Artificial intelligence, cloud applications and data-intensive digital services are causing the energy demand of data centres to grow continuously. Stefan Bastian, Managing Director of ebm-papst neo, explains how intelligent air and cooling systems support the operation of modern data centres.

Ahead of the Conference of Economic Ministers on 1 and 2 July in Konstanz, eco – Association of the Internet Industry – is calling for a clear commitment to expanding data centres, cloud and AI infrastructure in Germany.

A YouGov survey commissioned by the eco Alliance shows that the majority of the population supports the expansion of data centres in Germany. The Alliance is calling for clear policy guidelines, better site policy and transparent planning.

eco and the Alliance for the Strengthening of Digital Infrastructures in Germany have criticised the planned amendment to the German Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG). They argue that a rigid operational PUE of 1.2 for data centres is impractical, jeopardises investment and weakens Germany as a digital business location.