Tech | February 07, 2010 | 3 comments

Facebook Grows Using Coal For Data Servers.

source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/facebook-grows-coal.php

Image
absworldone
I don't really use Facebook but plenty of my friends do. They might be interested to know that the social network giant growth appears to be powered by coal, the number 1 cause of climate change. In late January, Facebook announced that its new Oregon data center, the data center farms that create the cloud that brings your friends' updates to your computer or smart phone, will be powered by a coal plant in Idaho.

But why would Facebook choose to site their new center at a place powered by coal over another place in renewable energy-rich Oregon? Look no farther than cost.

Data center power use of the last decade is astounding. In 2000, data centers comprised 0.8 percent of total US electrical consumption, but just 5 years later, data centers' power consumption grew to 1.4 percent of the total energy use in the country, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The Pineville-based data center will be powered by an outside-air intake system, which will cool the massive data servers at a lower carbon footprint. There are several new technologies that companies can use like this to lower their impact, but step 1 must be siting data centers in places where the grid has a higher mix of renewable energy. Companies like Facebook can use their spending power to influence government policy over new clean energy capacity.
  1. groups:
    Community,   Tech,   Green,   Technology
  2. tags:
    Facebook,  Facebook Apps,  Facebook Applications,  Facebook Addiction
  3.     
    |

3 comments // Facebook Grows Using Coal For Data Servers.

  • lweins
    • 0
      lweins  

    • Here is Facebook's response: Most electrical commercial and residential power in the United States comes from a variety of sources. Our new data center will be receiving our power through PacifiCorp, which like most utilities has a diverse generation portfolio including hydro, geothermal, wind and coal. PacifiCorp is now the #1 utility owner operator of renewables, having grown their portfolio 2,400 percent over the past three years.

      When it comes online in early 2011, the new Facebook data center will also be one of the most energy efficient in the world, featuring an innovative cooling system created for the unique climate characteristics in Prineville, Oregon.

      The new, world class energy-efficiency technologies the Facebook data center will utilize include an evaporative cooling system; an airside economizer that will bring colder air in from the outside; re-use of server heat to warm office space in the colder months; and new patent pending highly efficient electrical design will reduce electricity usage by up to 12 percent. The entire facility will be built to LEED Gold standards.

      The State of Oregon has a very aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard, calling for 25 percent of power in the state to be produced by renewable resources by 2025. Facebook believes this policy will ensure continued growth of renewable generation resources.

      Our commitment is, regardless of generation source, to use electricity as wisely and as efficiently as possible.

      Thanks!

      Lee Weinstein

    • 1 year ago
  • commandercool
  • absworldone
more from Tech:
from the community

top videos