As someone who is interested in the evolution of computing infrastructure, I have watched data centres grow from tightly controlled server rooms into sprawling, hyper-connected facilities at the heart of the digital economy. Their impact on both business and society is undeniable, but so too is their demand for electricity. In 2022, global data centres consumed around 460TWh of power – a number that could more than double by 2030 if current trends continue. For me, this isn’t just a statistic; it is a signal that the way we power our digital world must evolve.
This makes the topic of wideband-gap semiconductors, specifically silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), both timely and important. These materials offer capabilities that traditional silicon cannot match, from higher efficiency and power density to improved thermal performance. In a sector where even a fraction of a percentage point in efficiency can translate to millions of pounds and significant environmental impact, the adoption of SiC and GaN represents more than incremental improvement – it is a meaningful step toward sustainable computing.
I found writing this piece particularly compelling because it combines two critical conversations: the technical challenges engineers face in modern data centres and the broader imperative of sustainability. Understanding how these semiconductors are deployed, the benefits they bring, and the hurdles that remain gives a clearer picture of the innovations quietly shaping the backbone of our digital lives.
I hope readers gain more than just an appreciation for SiC and GaN; I hope this article encourages reflection on how the industry can continue to scale computing power responsibly. For anyone involved in data centre design, electronics engineering, or energy management, this is a subject that deserves attention – not just for the efficiencies it promises today, but for the role it will play in meeting the net zero ambitions of tomorrow.
How SiC & GaN are driving the next generation of sustainable data centresESD August 2026