What are we to do with data centres? Nobody seems to know

Data centre electricity demand raises concerns about their environmental impact, but they also provide much-needed services

According to CSO figures, 18% of metered electricity in 2022 was used by data centres, the same percentage as urban homes.

They are large and cold, soulless and bland — yet ironically provoke an emotive reaction that ensures they usurp as much energy in the political cycle as any perennial issue.

What are we to do with data centres? Nobody seems to know.