Schneider Electric has called on Nigerian authorities and businesses to take urgent steps to curb rising energy consumption and emissions as artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates the expansion of data centers nationwide.
Country President, Schneider Electric, Anglophone West Africa, Ajibola Akindele, emphasized that sustainability must be a priority, warning that unchecked energy demand from AI-driven workloads could strain Nigeria's power grid and derail sustainability targets.
"The best time to act on sustainability was years ago; the second-best time is now," Akindele stated. "With AI driving unprecedented demand for data processing, immediate action is needed to integrate sustainable strategies and AI-driven optimizations to ensure long-term efficiency and a greener future."
As Nigeria undergoes rapid digital transformation, Schneider Electric highlighted the need for collaboration between policymakers, data center operators, and businesses to mitigate AI's environmental impact while maximizing its benefits.
The Growing Energy Challenge
According to Deloitte, data centers will consume approximately 536 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity by 2025—around 2% of global electricity use. This figure is projected to double to 1,065 TWh within five years, driven by AI and other high-energy applications.
The global data center market, valued at $125.35 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $364.62 billion by 2034, with an 11.39% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). While this expansion fuels economic growth, it also intensifies sustainability challenges, necessitating a reimagining of energy sourcing, management, and consumption in data centers.
Sustainable Solutions for Nigerian Data Centers
To address these challenges, Schneider Electric outlined six key solutions:
- Energy Audits for Efficiency Gains – Assess existing infrastructure for inefficiencies in cooling, server utilization, and power management.
- Energy-Efficient Infrastructure – Upgrade to modern servers, deploy liquid cooling technologies, and integrate renewable energy sources.
- Sustainable Supply Chains – Partner with suppliers committed to reducing Scope 3 emissions and implementing green manufacturing practices.
- Real-Time Monitoring & Automation – Use AI-powered tools for energy tracking, regulatory compliance, and sustainability targets.
- AI-Optimized Resource Allocation – Leverage machine learning to enhance energy distribution, predict maintenance, and integrate renewables.
- Continuous Improvement – Regularly reassess strategies, benchmark against global best practices, and adopt innovative solutions.
The Path to a Sustainable Digital Economy
Schneider Electric stressed that sustainability is now a key factor for investors, regulators, and consumers. Nigerian enterprises that embrace green data center strategies will be better positioned for leadership in the digital economy. For organizations lacking expertise, partnering with sustainability-focused vendors can help develop and execute a robust sustainability plan.
As AI reshapes industries and boosts economic productivity, Schneider Electric reaffirmed the need for decisive action to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility, ensuring Nigeria's long-term energy security and sustainability goals.
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Schneider Electric Urges Immediate Action on AI-Driven Energy Demand, Advocates for Sustainable Data Centers
Schneider Electric has called on Nigerian authorities and businesses to take urgent steps to curb rising energy consumption and emissions as artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates the expansion of data centers nationwide.
Country President, Schneider Electric, Anglophone West Africa, Ajibola Akindele, emphasized that sustainability must be a priority, warning that unchecked energy demand from AI-driven workloads could strain Nigeria's power grid and derail sustainability targets.
"The best time to act on sustainability was years ago; the second-best time is now," Akindele stated. "With AI driving unprecedented demand for data processing, immediate action is needed to integrate sustainable strategies and AI-driven optimizations to ensure long-term efficiency and a greener future."
As Nigeria undergoes rapid digital transformation, Schneider Electric highlighted the need for collaboration between policymakers, data center operators, and businesses to mitigate AI's environmental impact while maximizing its benefits.
The Growing Energy Challenge
According to Deloitte, data centers will consume approximately 536 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity by 2025—around 2% of global electricity use. This figure is projected to double to 1,065 TWh within five years, driven by AI and other high-energy applications.
The global data center market, valued at $125.35 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $364.62 billion by 2034, with an 11.39% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). While this expansion fuels economic growth, it also intensifies sustainability challenges, necessitating a reimagining of energy sourcing, management, and consumption in data centers.
Sustainable Solutions for Nigerian Data Centers
To address these challenges, Schneider Electric outlined six key solutions:
- Energy Audits for Efficiency Gains – Assess existing infrastructure for inefficiencies in cooling, server utilization, and power management.
- Energy-Efficient Infrastructure – Upgrade to modern servers, deploy liquid cooling technologies, and integrate renewable energy sources.
- Sustainable Supply Chains – Partner with suppliers committed to reducing Scope 3 emissions and implementing green manufacturing practices.
- Real-Time Monitoring & Automation – Use AI-powered tools for energy tracking, regulatory compliance, and sustainability targets.
- AI-Optimized Resource Allocation – Leverage machine learning to enhance energy distribution, predict maintenance, and integrate renewables.
- Continuous Improvement – Regularly reassess strategies, benchmark against global best practices, and adopt innovative solutions.
The Path to a Sustainable Digital Economy
Schneider Electric stressed that sustainability is now a key factor for investors, regulators, and consumers. Nigerian enterprises that embrace green data center strategies will be better positioned for leadership in the digital economy. For organizations lacking expertise, partnering with sustainability-focused vendors can help develop and execute a robust sustainability plan.
As AI reshapes industries and boosts economic productivity, Schneider Electric reaffirmed the need for decisive action to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility, ensuring Nigeria's long-term energy security and sustainability goals.
