KTN release paper on “Power Economics of Computing”

KTN have released a paper on “Power Economics of Computing” identifying the classes of compute platform and their global energy consumption.

KTN have released a paper on “Power Economics of Computing” which identifies the 5 broad classes of compute platform and characterises their contribution to global energy consumption. Identifying those believed to have sufficient market drivers to encourage ongoing improvements in software energy efficiency.

Based on a review of published data from Cambridge-based chip IP leaders ARM, the Energy Efficient Computing Advisory Board has calculated that global compute power requirement will grow from today’s 2413 gWh, to over 3734 gWh by 2020. That represents a 55% percent increase in energy demand, responsible for approximately an additional 685,000 imperial tonnes of CO2. The same electrical energy could power 330,000 UK homes.

In order for the ICT industry to compete sustainably and in line with the Climate Change Act 2008 and the COP21 Summit on Climate Change in Paris 2015, it is vital to understand exactly where energy within the ICT sector is used – because, as well as creating low environmental impact, energy-efficient computing is also cost efficient.

To assist decision-makers in the ICT industry, the Advisory Board has been exploring the different issues inherent in various IT platforms, to identify where the most beneficial savings can be made. If energy efficiency improvements can be achieved in the ICT industry, the need to build new power stations to keep up with sector demand could be alleviated.

Read the full paper here.