Beyond gas and nukes: a first principles approach to data center decarbonization
Ripple Hosts
Lindsay Rasmussen
Third Derivative (RMI)
Mohamed Hassan
AWS Sustainability
TL;DR
Data center demand is expected to skyrocket, and with it the need for approaches, innovations, and solutions that can rapidly reduce associated emissions. This session will dive into the first principles approaches to data center decarbonization and the startups and innovations well-positioned to support this effort.
Topic overview
Why is the topic relevant?
The global data center market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.1% through 2030, driving a huge growth in electricity demand and emissions, from 1.3% of global electricity demand to triple by 2030. To meet the demand of power-thirsty data centers, developers are looking to solutions that make very little sense from either a climate perspective (CCGTs) or an economic one “gen III” nuclear fission. However, first principle approaches to reducing the energy demand of data centers are being left on the table. This session will dive into the opportunities for data center decarbonization, and the innovations and startups that can drive the most impact, from more efficient computing to heat-tolerant hardware, more efficient cooling equipment, more efficient arrays, better control systems, and better building envelopes. Further, this session will examine how solution sets may vary depending on constraints or opportunities (e.g., new construction versus building renovation for new data centers and the considerations for each; efficiency improvements for existing data centers) and which innovations are ripe for investment.
What’s up for discussion?
What are the different decarbonization levers for data centers?
What technologies are ripe for inclusion, and what technologies are on the horizon for data center decarbonization?
What barriers to these innovations face to adoption?
Dream outcome
Investor interest in data center decarbonization solutions, and connections to support for Third Derivative’s portfolio companies.
Who should attend?
Investors interested in understanding the landscape of data center decarbonization solutions and the opportunities for investment.
Startups with data center decarbonization solutions.
Anyone interested in data center decarbonization
Data center developers / owners / operators
Companies that utilize data centers (or will need to) as part of their business