Operator data-centre energy benchmarks and the impact of AI

The results of our survey of 46 telecoms operators in 2024 show that many operators are currently investing in data centres. Furthermore, many operators believe that AI will deliver a range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) benefits, though there is general uncertainty about the energy impact of deploying AI capabilities within data centres.

Topics analysed

• Proportion of operators investing in data-centre facilities
• Factors influencing operators' choice of data-centre location
• Data-centre share of operators' energy consumption
• Data-centre energy consumption split by internal and external facilities
• Data-centre share of operators' Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions
• Operators' views on the impact of AI on energy consumption and carbon emissions