THREE QUESTIONS TO ZENON VASSELIN, MANAGER AT CARBONE 4, AN ENERGY AND CLIMATE CONSULTING FIRM
Q What are the main decarbonisation levers for data centers?
Zénon Vasselin: An effective approach follows three steps. First, sufficiency, to reduce initial needs to what is strictly necessary, questioning in particular the uses of AI. Second, efficiency, minimising energy consumption per unit of service via cooling optimisation, server pooling, or resource virtualisation. Finally, substitution, to supply residual energy needs with low-carbon sources. Not respecting this sequence leads to oversized infrastructure, creating unnecessary pressure on electricity networks.
Q How can we reduce the pressure data centers place on energy systems?
ZV: A key lever lies in flexible, intelligent management of machine workloads. Computing tasks should be programmed to periods when electricity is low-carbon and available in surplus, rather than peak hours, especially winter evenings, when the electricity mix becomes more carbon-intensive and the grid is under tension.
Q What would be the ideal location for a data center?
ZV: An optimal site combines several conditions: a cold, humid climate to reduce cooling needs; local access to abundant, ideally surplus low-carbon electricity (Nordic hydropower, existing nuclear, mature wind zones, with physical PPAs*); and redevelopment on an industrial brownfield to limit land leasing.
“A key lever lies in flexible, intelligent management of machine workloads. Computing tasks should ideally be programmed to periods when electricity is low-carbon and available in surplus.”
First published in Scope Winter 2025