Transition to lithium batteries: Key to energy efficiency in data centers
The adoption of advanced technologies and the digital management of water and energy consumption are enabling data centers to move towards more ambitious decarbonization goals. According to current projections, the electricity consumption of these infrastructures could represent 2.5% of global demand by 2027, positioning energy efficiency as a strategic priority for operators. Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that these facilities consumed approximately 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024.
This is especially critical for high-density applications that require liquid cooling for AI clusters.
In conclusion, the decarbonization of data centers depends on a multidisciplinary approach that combines advanced hardware, such as lithium batteries, with digital intelligence to optimize resource consumption. These features help optimize maintenance costs and improve the overall sustainability of the digital ecosystem.
In addition to hardware, comprehensive sustainability encompasses the management of the operational lifecycle.
Panama City, Panama. – The global data center industry is undergoing a structural transformation in its sustainability models, driven by the urgent need to mitigate its environmental impact amid the rise of the digital economy and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Transparency in measuring environmental impact is consolidating not only as a regulatory requirement but as a strategic imperative for the future of global technological infrastructure.
Therefore, the implementation of digital strategies is vital for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), including carbon emissions and water resource usage.
Digitalization and smart management The implementation of sustainability management software, powered by AI, facilitates the collection and analysis of data to identify and reduce sources of emissions. It is estimated that this figure will scale up to 945 TWh by 2030, exceeding the annual electricity consumption of countries like Japan. A medium-sized data center can consume around 1,136 liters of water daily for cooling systems, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
In this context, the industry is prioritizing the replacement of critical components, highlighting the transition in Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems from traditional lead-acid batteries to lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
Operational efficiency and lithium batteries The market for lithium batteries for data centers, which reached $5.24 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $17.69 billion by 2034. Mario Marchena, Business Development Manager for Mexico and Central America at Schneider Electric, explained that a software platform that connects energy, building, and IT systems allows for informed decision-making in real time.
This trend responds to the technical advantages of Li-ion batteries, which offer a longer lifespan, faster recharge times, higher energy density, and a significant reduction in the physical space required.
