But they generate more money too.

In 2023, Google and Microsoft each consumed 24 TWh of electricity, surpassing the consumption of over 100 nations, including places like Iceland, Ghana, and Tunisia, according to an analysis by Michael Thomas. While massive energy usage means a substantial environmental impact for these tech giants, it should be noted that Google and Microsoft also generate more money than many countries. Furthermore, companies like Intel, Google, and Microsoft lead renewable energy adoption within the industry.

Detailed analysis reveals that Google’s and Microsoft’s electricity consumption — 24 TWh in 2023 — equals the power consumption of Azerbaijan (a nation of 10.14 million) and is higher than that of several other countries. For instance, Iceland, Ghana, the Dominican Republic, and Tunisia each consumed 19 TWh, while Jordan consumed 20 TWh. Of course, some countries consume more power than Google and Microsoft. For example, Slovakia, a country with 5.4 million inhabitants, consumes 26 TWh.

    • thanks_shakey_snake@lemmy.caEnglish
      19·
      4 months ago

      If your efficiency function is centered around revenue, then yeah, of course… No surprise that one of the world’s most successful for-profit companies generates more profit per watt-hour than a nation, which encompasses all sorts of non-revenue-generating activity like running hospitals and keeping street lights on.

      • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
        34·
        4 months ago

        Those will be counted towards GDP – that’s all economic activity.

        • chiisana@lemmy.chiisana.netEnglish
          23·
          4 months ago

          Lemmy is bad with money, economics and business, also anti corporate/work, so anything positive towards corporate tends to be slammed with ignorance. I try my best to just ignore those replies / votes and move on.

          • sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
            2·
            4 months ago

            I try to correct them if it’s easy enough. I probably won’t convince them, but maybe the next person will consider it and educate themselves.

          • thanks_shakey_snake@lemmy.caEnglish
            32·
            4 months ago

            My comment isn’t anti-corporate or anti-work though…? It just isn’t that strange that Google is more efficient at generating revenue (as dollars-per-kWh) than Finland is.