China’s Internet data power usage to surge through 2023: study

Big data is set to play an increasing role in supplying cleaner electricity, especially in the creation of decentralised 'smart grid' systems, but it is also becoming one of the biggest consumers of power in China and elsewhere. — Reuters

SHANGHAI: China's burgeoning Internet data sector will increase its power consumption by two-thirds by 2023, putting further pressure on the country's plans to curb smog and carbon emissions, according to a study published on Sept 9.

China, the world's biggest energy consumer and producer of climate-warming greenhouse gas, is in the middle of a programme aimed at upgrading its economy, easing its dependence on old polluting sectors like steel, and cleaning up its mostly coal-fired energy system.