ELECTRICITY 4.0 undertaken to reach science-based targets , Sharma questions if goals are in reach thanks to increasing demand . For example , the International Energy Agency ( IEA ) found that global electricity demand from data centres alone could double by 2026 , and estimates that data centres , cryptocurrencies and AI consumed around 460TWh of electricity worldwide in 2022 – almost 2 % of total global electricity demand .
“ The big question is , is 20 years giving ample time when you think about these targets ? We need to be able to do better ,” Sharma concludes . “ It ’ s very important to continue to accelerate the technologies and software which can bring more renewables into the picture – whether it is about reducing the consumption of energy , which is what Schneider focuses on , or it is about decarbonising the grids .
“ It ’ s important to prioritise sustainable innovation . This is a collective goal , a mission to be able to save the planet . This is about collective responsibility . It ’ s a responsibility that includes companies like Schneider and the efforts from governments and policymakers as well as us as individuals and how we help to decarbonise .
“ There are plenty of tools available today to help with this , and Electricity 4.0 is just one example , but it is the key is to be able to accelerate and amplify those tools .” energydigital . com 73