“Energy and Environmental Impacts of Cloud Computing and Data Centres”

Call for Papers – Special Issue: “Energy and Environmental Impacts of Cloud Computing and Data Centres”*

Journal: Energy
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Submission deadline: 30 September 2026

Overview

Data centers are among the most energy-intensive facilities globally, with their environmental footprint projected to surge due to the rapid expansion of generative AI and digital services. This special issue—published by Emerald Publishing—seeks to bridge the gap between digital growth and sustainability. It encourages interdisciplinary research that examines the complex resource consumption patterns of cloud computing and data centers, moving beyond broad efficiency metrics (like PUE) toward granular, life-cycle-based assessments.

Key Research Themes

• Energy & Emissions: Modeling the global electricity demand of data centers, particularly the impact of fossil-fuel-reliant energy sources and the surge in AI-related consumption.

• Thermal & Cooling Innovations: Investigating advanced cooling solutions (liquid cooling, two-phase systems, free cooling) and their role in minimizing both energy and water intensity.

• Waste Heat & Grid Integration: Exploring the reuse of low-grade waste heat for district heating and the potential for data centers to act as flexible loads in renewable-heavy power grids.

• Resource Stewardship: Addressing the environmental trade-offs related to water scarcity, hardware refresh cycles (e-waste), land use/biodiversity, and local pollution (NOx, noise).

Submission Details

• Submission window: 15 May 2026 – 30 September 2026.

• Submission portal: https://ice-review.rivervalley.io/journal/jener

• Special Instructions: Select article type “Special Issue Paper” and then choose ‘Energy and Environmental Impacts of Cloud Computing and Data Centres’ from the drop-down menu. You must also mention the Special Issue name in the Author Questionnaire.

Guest Editors

• Geoffrey P. Hammond, University of Bath (G.P.Hammond@bath.ac.uk)

• Brian Norton, TU Dublin and Tyndall National Institute, UCC (brian.norton@tudublin.ie)

• Sajad Alimohammadi, TU Dublin (Sajad.Alimohammadi@tudublin.ie)

Why This Issue Matters

This special issue—published by Emerald Publishing—aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), and Climate Action (SDG 13). By fostering an exchange between researchers in cloud computing, energy, and sustainable management, this collection will help define the path toward a more sustainable digital infrastructure in the face of rising global energy and resource demands.

ServiceSetu Academics — Premier Platform for Academic Opportunities & Research Collaboration

Visit official website of the publisher