The Future Of Data Centers

This is predicted to further increase over the next five years, with global data creation to grow to over 180 zettabytes and data consumption forecasted to follow this trajectory through to 2025.⁽¹⁾

This increase in data creation and consumption is due to the rise of emerging technologies, modern business functions becoming reliant on cloud computing and storage, and the growing effectiveness of building data centers in colder climates to enable this. 

Is Renewable Energy the Future of Data Centers?

The relationship between Data center projects and the energy they consume is intrinsically linked, therefore the drastic uptake in renewable energy is predicted to have a great impact on the future of Data centers.

Recent studies show that the “momentum is back for renewables”⁽⁶⁾ and is not predicted to slow anytime soon. What has contributed to this sudden uptake and acceptance of renewable energy?

With Renewables becoming cost-effective, Renewable energy is now not only the financially smart choice but is socially and environmentally accountable. The proof is in the pudding with “The World’s Largest Colo Buyers now Demanding Green Power”.⁽⁶⁾ Both government and industry efforts towards decarbonising electricity supply are encouraging buyers to transition from wasteful fossil fuels to more efficient, sustainable, cost-competitive (and cost-reliable), renewable energy.

ICT companies are increasingly looking to invest considerable sums in renewable energy projects to “protect themselves from power price volatility, reduce their environmental impact and improve their brand reputation. Hyperscale data center operators in particular lead in corporate renewable energy procurement”

The Demand for Data Center Roles

This exponential growth in data consumption and subsequent rise of ‘green’ data centers to power this new demand, has inevitably generated a wealth of highly valuable employment opportunities for professionals with the right skill set.

IRENA’s Annual review shows that the “number of people either directly or indirectly employed in the renewable energy sector has continued to grow”⁽⁷⁾ as will the growing global requirement for data center roles to design, construct and operate these new facilities.

Cloud Professionals

Modern Businesses are embracing and investing in Cloud computing as a prerequisite for data storage. Because of this, cloud professionals and IT engineers with both traditional IT infrastructure and specialised cloud skills are growing in demand. In fact, around “29% of all data center jobs being advertised include cloud professionals”.⁽⁸⁾

Design and Construction

There is an accelerated demand on data center construction and design specialists roles such as Mechanical Design Engineer, Construction and HSE Managers.⁽⁹⁾ There is also a wealth of contractor opportunities in these areas.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineers

The second most recruited in data centers currently is electrical Engineers and Mechanical Engineers in operations roles. These specialist engineers are predicted to increase in demand alongside data center growth.⁽¹⁰⁾

How Can We Help?

There isn’t a better time to move into renewables than right now. At Thor Companies, we are experts in getting the right job for the right person at the right time. Get in touch with Joshua Stevens or Jonathan Wood to talk about our current opportunities, alternatively visit our job board.