There is a strange combination when it comes to technology and nature. Yet, both have fought their ways in their differences. With advancement in technology and development, nature has always suffered the challenges. Realising this need for alternative development, Norway amongst many is doing it in a different way. The way is referred to as watering the data centres - not literally watering though. 

The Green Mountain Data Centre located in Stavanger, Norway, near the coast of the fjord, is all about energy efficiency. It waters the data centres by not damaging the data centres. And is precisely the next generation human genius in action. The cool water that the turbines bring in the reservoir not only serves as an electricity generator but also serves as a hub for the central server system. The striking feature about this data centre are these two achievements:

1. The server is built "inside" the mountain, meaning reusing the natural resources without having to destroy it. 

2.  It uses the river water to cool the servers and keep it running for not just a year,  but forever. 

The technology has not only helped reduce energy efficiency but also has a 99.99997% power availability for the data servers. The initiative for such constructions may be slightly huge, but the remnants of it for long-term sustainability surely is promising. 

Bhutan is parallel to what the Norwegians say, efficiency. The 2020 vision, the primary Policy Document for the development of Bhutan promises almost 10,000 MW generation of hydropower from the rivers in Bhutan. And all the surplus from these power generation will be traded with neighbouring nations as carbon trading. Carbon trading may not be the complete answer but is surely one of the solutions for efficiency and balanced growth. 

Happiness for all. 

Reference(s)

1. Citylab. (2011). A Natural Cooling System for an Underground Norwegian Data Farm. Retrieved from http://www.citylab.com/tech/2011/12/natural-cooling-system-underground-norwegian-data-farm/802/

2. Green Mountain. (2014). DC1 Stavanger. Retrieved from http://www.greenmountain.no/data-centres/

3. Green Mountain Data Centre. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/green-mountain-data-centre/

4. Gross National Happiness Commission. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.grossnationalhappiness.com/