3 Energy Efficiency Strategies for Data Centers
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy is placing increasing pressure on energy infrastructure—particularly data centers, which form the backbone of this technological transformation—according to the global study Artificial Intelligence and Electricity conducted by Schneider Electric.
In South America, countries such as Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina are experiencing an accelerated digital transformation that demands more efficient and sustainable infrastructures.
In Colombia, the Ministry of ICT reports that 70% of companies plan to invest in digital technologies over the next two years.
In Chile, the data center market is expected to grow by more than 6% annually through 2027.
Peru is developing public policies to strengthen connectivity and critical infrastructure, while Argentina forecasts data center investments exceeding USD 220 million by 2026—driven by the growing demand for cloud services, e-commerce, and emerging technologies such as AI.
Strategies for Sustainable Data Centers
Given this context, sustainable energy efficiency in data centers has become a fundamental requirement for regional digital economic development—not merely a competitive advantage.
Gabriel Estay, Director for the Andean Cluster of Data Center and Secure Power at Schneider Electric, highlights three key strategies to ensure sustainable operations as demand continues to grow:
1. Smart Energy Use as a Design Priority
Redesigning data centers through full lifecycle digitalization, implementing digital twins for real-time optimization, and adopting high-performance hardware with lower energy consumption are crucial steps.
“AI can become a powerful ally in maximizing energy use through intelligent algorithms applied to critical systems such as cooling and power distribution.”
Estay adds that projects resulting from the Schneider Electric–NVIDIA partnership allow high-density AI clusters to be integrated into existing infrastructures, adding up to 1 MW of load without the need for liquid cooling—thereby increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
2. Modular and Scalable Infrastructure
Modularity enables the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which can directly power data centers or feed into the grid during peak demand, contributing to regional energy stability. As Estay explains:
“With this approach, new modules are added only when actual demand arises, avoiding resource waste. The use of recyclable materials and renewable sources makes this solution both practical and environmentally conscious in the face of expansion challenges.”
3. Energy Planning Based on Future Scenarios
According to Estay, the ideal strategy combines frugality, optimization, and positive impact to ensure productive operations within system limits.
“Ignoring infrastructure limitations can lead to bottlenecks, unnecessary costs, and crises. In this context, reducing energy waste is no longer just an environmentally responsible choice—it becomes essential for sustaining continued growth.”
The study projects that by 2027, energy demand for generative AI inference will become predominant, significantly increasing the power consumption associated with this technology.
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