The growing demand for data centers, fueled by AI and cloud computing, has placed immense pressure on energy consumption and sustainability efforts. To tackle these challenges, Digital Realty, one of the world’s largest data center operators, is leveraging AI-driven solutions from Coolgradient to optimize energy efficiency and sustainability. This collaboration, recently presented at the Green Data Center Conference by Digital Realty’s Kasper Dessing and Eline ter Hofstede from Coolgradient, is paving the way for data centers of the future.

Their entire presentation was recently published online and can be found here.

AI-Powered Optimization for a Greener Future

Digital Realty operates over 300 data centers across six continents and is a recognized leader in sustainability. Committed to achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, the company is taking bold steps to reduce energy intensity and improve operational efficiency. Their partnership with Coolgradient is central to this mission.

By integrating AI-powered data center optimization software, Digital Realty can:

• Enhance energy efficiency by analyzing vast amounts of real-time sensor data.
• Predict and prevent equipment failures through AI-driven prescriptive maintenance.
• Reduce water and energy waste, optimizing cooling systems for maximum performance.
• Empower data center managers with AI-driven insights, allowing for real-time decision-making.

This AI-driven approach is already showing tangible results, including 18 GWh of energy savings over the past 2.5 years, improved uptime, and significant operational efficiency gains.

From Traditional Operations to Intelligent Data Centers

Traditional data centers rely heavily on static, human-driven optimizations that often fail to adapt to real-time changesin workload demand and environmental conditions. Coolgradient’s AI models, integrated into Digital Realty’s Apollo platform, continuously analyze and optimize cooling, energy distribution, and operational performance.

One of the key advantages of this AI-driven model is its ability to adjust dynamically to real-world conditions. For instance, during unexpected heatwaves or fluctuating IT loads, the AI system recommends continuous adjustments, ensuring that energy is allocated efficiently and cooling systems operate at optimal levels.

The result? A more reliable, energy-efficient, and sustainable data center ecosystem.

Beyond Energy Efficiency: A Holistic Approach

The benefits of AI-driven data center optimization extend beyond energy savings. Digital Realty and Coolgradient are also pioneering solutions in:

• Prescriptive maintenance: AI identifies symptomes and generates a diagnosis that solves the root-cause, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
• Smart scaling: The AI-driven system adapts to data center expansion, ensuring consistent efficiency across Digital Realty’s global portfolio.
• Sustainable energy integration: The AI helps maximize the use of renewable energy sources and innovative cooling solutions such as waste heat recovery and ATES systems (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage).

A Model for the Future of Data Center Operations

Digital Realty’s commitment to AI-driven optimization and sustainability is setting a new industry benchmark. The partnership with Coolgradient demonstrates how AI can be a game-changer in reducing the carbon footprint of data centers, making them smarter, greener, and more reliable.

With AI-driven operations, predictive analytics, and continuous energy optimization, the path to truly sustainable data centers is clearer than ever. This is the future of data center operations—intelligent, efficient, and sustainable.