Massive Computer Centers worse than Air Traffic
There's been a lot of hand-wringing lately about how much air traffic contributes to global warming. An even more damaging culprit, however, has recently been found: the Internet. Computer centers consume massive amounts of energy, and their use is growing astronomically. Creative solutions are being sought -- and found (Spiegel Online)
When Professor Heinz-Gerd Hegering orders a new supercomputer, he first warns the power company. The power lines in the surrounding Bavarian countryside must be able to handle the additional load. "It's enough to make the engineers break into a sweat," Hegering says.
Hegering's new giant computer, which he plans to install in 2011, won't exactly be energy-efficient. In fact, it sucks as much power from the grid as it takes for a fully loaded, 400-ton high-speed train to accelerate from zero to 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph)