Google's data center power consumption doubles in 4 years
Google's data centers are using way more power than before—30.8 million megawatt-hours in 2024, which is double what they used in 2020.
These centers now make up almost all (about 96%) of Google's total electricity use, making it harder for the company to stick to its clean energy goals.
Google exploring options like geothermal and future nuclear tech
Even though Google's data centers are pretty efficient (with a near-perfect PUE of 1.09), their rapid growth means overall energy use keeps climbing.
To keep up, Google's investing in solar projects in South Carolina and Oklahoma, and exploring options like geothermal and even future nuclear tech.
Still, access to carbon-free energy really depends on location—just 5% of usage is matched by clean sources in the Middle East and Africa, while Latin America hits an impressive 92%.