Google and Microsoft vs countries: who consumes more electricity?

In 2023, tech giants Google and Microsoft consumed more electricity than some countries, but their economic contribution significantly exceeded the GDP of many countries. Companies are actively investing in renewable energy and working towards carbon neutrality.

Energy consumption of IT giants

Comparison with states

In 2023, Google and Microsoft corporations each consumed 24 TWh of electricity, which exceeded the figures of more than a hundred countries. For comparison, this is equivalent to the consumption of Azerbaijan, with a population of 10.14 million people, and exceeds the consumption of countries such as Iceland, Ghana, the Dominican Republic and Tunisia (19 TWh each), as well as Jordan (20 TWh). However, some countries, for example, Slovakia with 5.4 million inhabitants, consume more - 26 TWh.

Energy race Google and Microsoft vs entire countries

Economic aspect

Despite the significant energy consumption, the financial performance of the IT giants is impressive. Google's 2023 revenue was $305.6 billion, and its total economic impact is estimated at $739 billion. Microsoft earned $211.9 billion, and its economic impact, given the widespread adoption of Windows and Office, is likely in the trillions of dollars. For comparison, the GDP of Azerbaijan was about $78 billion, Slovakia - $127 billion, and Iceland - approximately $30 billion.

Energy race Google and Microsoft vs entire countries

Environmental Initiatives

Both companies are actively implementing environmentally friendly technologies. Google has been carbon neutral since 2007 and plans to operate 24/7 without emissions by 2030. Microsoft aims to become carbon negative by 2030, removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. The corporation also increased its portfolio of renewable energy projects to 19.8 GW in 21 countries.

Energy race Google and Microsoft vs entire countries

Situation in Ukraine

The energy situation in Ukraine in 2023 was difficult. The country produced 36.5 TWh of electricity, 19.4% less than in 2022 due to infrastructure damage. Despite periodic purchases of electricity from Europe, Ukraine managed to satisfy domestic demand without large-scale blackouts. However, in 2024, the country's energy sector came under even more serious attacks.

Glossary

Google is an American multinational corporation specializing in Internet services and products
Microsoft is an American multinational technology company, software manufacturer
TWh - terawatt-hour, unit of energy measurement
GDP - gross domestic product, an indicator of a country's economic development
Azure - Microsoft cloud platform for hosting web applications

Answers to questions

How much electricity will Google and Microsoft consume in 2023?

In 2023, each of these tech giants used 24 TWh of electricity, for a total of 48 TWh. This amount exceeds the consumption of more than 100 countries around the world.

How does Google and Microsoft's energy consumption compare to economics?

Despite their high energy consumption, the economic impact of these companies is enormous. Google earned $305.6 billion in revenue in 2023, and its total economic impact is estimated at $739 billion. Microsoft earned $211.9 billion, and its impact is likely in the trillions of dollars. These figures significantly exceed the GDP of many countries with comparable energy consumption.

What steps are Google and Microsoft taking to reduce their environmental impact?

Both companies are actively implementing environmental initiatives. Google has been carbon neutral since 2007 and aims to operate 24/7 and emissions-free by 2030. Microsoft plans to become carbon negative by 2030 by removing more carbon than it emits. The company is also committed to zero-waste production and is increasing investment in renewable energy.

How does Google and Microsoft's energy consumption compare to Ukraine?

In 2023, Ukraine produced 36.5 TWh of electricity, which is 19.4% less than in 2022 due to military actions. This is more than the consumption of each of the companies (24 TWh), but comparison is difficult due to the complex energy situation in the country, including the purchase and sale of electricity in Europe.

Which countries consume comparable amounts of energy to Google and Microsoft?

Azerbaijan, with a population of 10.14 million, consumes about the same amount of energy as each of these companies. Countries with lower consumption include Iceland, Ghana, the Dominican Republic and Tunisia (each 19 TWh), and Jordan (20 TWh). Slovakia, with a population of 5.4 million, consumes slightly more - 26 TWh.

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Discussion of the topic – Energy race: Google and Microsoft vs entire countries

2024-07-15

The article analyzes the electricity consumption of large technology companies Google and Microsoft in comparison with entire countries, considering the economic and environmental aspects of this phenomenon.

Yulia Portnova
Yulia Portnova Copywriter Elbuz

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