Our data centers now work harder when the sun shines and wind blows (blog.google)

Article summary

Google has developed a carbon-intelligent computing platform that shifts non-urgent compute tasks to times when low-carbon power sources, like solar and wind, are most plentiful. This is done without additional hardware and without impacting the performance of Google services. The platform uses forecasts to optimize hour-by-hour guidelines for compute tasks, aiming to reduce the electrical grid's carbon footprint. By shifting compute jobs, Google can increase the amount of lower-carbon energy it consumes.

Main themes

• renewable energy
• carbon footprint reduction
• time-shifting computation
• data center efficiency
• sustainable computing
• energy management systems

What commenters say

• Shifting compute tasks to align with renewable energy availability is a good idea, but its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the ability to predict energy supply and demand.
• The concept of time-shifting computation to match renewable energy availability has potential applications beyond data centers, such as in smart homes and industries.
• Some commenters are skeptical about the potential benefits of this approach, citing concerns about the complexity of the system and the potential for unintended consequences.
• The use of renewable energy sources and time-shifting computation can lead to cost savings and emissions reductions, but it requires flexibility in demand and a well-designed system to allocate resources efficiently.
• There are existing solutions and technologies that allow for load shifting and demand response, such as smart thermostats and energy management systems.
• The development of a turnkey solution for cloud computing that incorporates time-shifting and renewable energy matching could be a differentiator for cloud providers.
• Some argue that the focus on renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction may lead to unintended consequences, such as driving 'dirty' hours onto spot markets and potentially increasing overall emissions.