DOE and the Green Grid Team Up to Increase Data Center Energy Efficiency

September 18, 2007

Two men leaning over table signing document

DOE Assistant Secretary Karsner and John Tuccillo of the Green Grid sign MOU.

Five men sitting at table at NY Stock Exchange

Roundtable panelists discuss data center energy efficiency challenges.

DOE Assistant Secretary Alexander (Andy) Karsner and John Tuccillo of The Green Grid officially combined forces today to address information technology energy efficiency with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the New York Stock Exchange. The MOU signifies a commitment to work together to assist data center facilities to implement energy management programs, adopt clean energy technologies, and to promote continual efficiency improvements. Read the DOE Press Release.

In 2005, energy-intensive data centers used approximately 1.2% of U.S. electricity demand to run and maintain computer systems and servers. The rapid growth of the information technology sector has prompted efforts to study the use of the equipment used to run the data centers and address opportunities for energy efficiency. Improved data center efficiency could save 20 billion kWh per year by 2015, and potentially defer the need to build an additional 2,300 MW of new generating capacity.

Following the MOU signing, a roundtable discussion was held to identify the barriers to energy efficient data centers, and develop ideas to address data center energy efficiency. Panelists included (shown in photo on right): Paul Tonko, CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority; Andy Karsner, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Kevin Knox, Vice President, Commercial Business, Advanced Micro Devices; Steven Rubinow, Chief Technology Officer, New York Stock Exchange; and David Rodgers, DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Development, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Visit ITP's Data Center Web site to view the MOU, and learn how ITP is meeting data center efficiency challenges.

The Green Grid is a non-profit consortium of information technology companies and associations focused on improving energy efficiency in data centers through research, standards development, published studies, and continuing education.