Recent research shows that 90% of all digital data in existence today, has been produced in the last two years, largely attributed to the explosive increase in AI and IOT use.
The total amount of data created, captured, copied, and consumed globally reached 149 zettabytes in 2024 and over the next five years up to 2028, global annual data creation is projected to increase to more than 394 zettabytes. While the use of data has been a game-changer for organisations and individuals all over the world, the rapid take-up of AI and the internet has exacerbated the level of information available, and with it, a greater demand for data storage.
Research from McKinsey and Company shows that if global demand for disk-based data centre capacity continues to grow at the pace it is, we could see an annual rise of between 19 to 22 percent each year to 2030. By 2030, it is thought that 13% of the world’s electricity consumption will be attributed to data centers, largely due to growing AI demand. Having more information and data at our fingertips comes with many advantages, however, traditional methods of storage for this data come with environmental concerns around significant energy consumption, water usage, and carbon emissions. Morgan Stanley research shows that a boom in data centers is expected to produce around 2.5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions globally through the end of the decade, and accelerate investments in decarbonization efforts.
Data centers worldwide consume approximately 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, a figure projected to more than double to 1,000 TWh by 2026, the equivalent of Japan’s entire annual energy consumption. If we continue to follow thistrajectory, the data storage center industry will emit 2.5bn tons of CO2 by 2030. The carbon footprint of data centers is equally concerning. They are estimated to produce around 3% of global carbon footprint when it comes to gas emissions, the same amount as the aviation industry.
There are similar concerns around the environmental challenges of HDD / Tape storage used for long-term cold data storage and archiving (accounting for 60% of all data stored today). These need to be kept at low temperatures using extensive amounts of energy to preserve the data. The physical tapes also require regular monitoring for degradation and must be copied every 7-10 years, costing vast energy and CO2 expense. Not to mention the higher possibility of damage to the data.
E-waste is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing waste streams, with an estimated 53.6 million metric tons generated globally projected to reach 74 million metric tons by 2030. Data storage devices, including HDDs, optical disks, and tape drives are difficult to recycle due to their complex composition and use of synthetic materials, further contributing to the growing e-waste crisis. Longer-lasting storage solutions, including technologies such as 5D optical storage, reduce the need for frequent replacements, dramatically lowering e-waste and energy consumption. To store 2ZB of data would require over 60 Million LTO9 tape cartridges weighing 225g, which generate 13,500 metric tons of waste when they reach end of life.
Commenting on the impact of this, Peter Kazansky, Chief Science Officer, at SPhotonix said: “In an increasingly digital world, the environmental impact of data storage is quickly becoming a pressing concern with respective Governments and Regulatory bodies stepping in to enforce sustainability standards. The European Energy Efficiency Directive, for example, includes provisions specifically targeting this, and countries like Germany will require new data centers to achieve a power usage efficiency of 1.2 or less from 2026.”
Revolutionizing the future of data storage
But there is a better way – Scientists at SPhotonix have been developing a solution to this in the form of a 5D Optical Storage which will shape the future of data storage. The 5D Memory Crystal utilises FemtoEtch™, nano etching technology and can store up to 360TB data on a 5-inch glass platter. Delivering virtually unlimited data storage longevity with low environmental impact means SPhotonix technology meets future storage demands without compromising the planet.
| Incumbent LTO9 Technology | 5D Optical Memory | |
| Amount of data stored | 1,015,200 TB (1EB) | 1,015,200 TB (1EB) |
| Media Capacity | 18 TB | 250TB |
| Media Capacity | 18 | 250 |
| # of media required | 56,400 | 4,061 |
| Real world longevity | 7-10 years lifecycle | 1000+ years |
| Materials | PET polymer, Barium Ferrite, polystyrene, ABS plastic, metal | Quartz/Fused Silica (sand) |
| CO2 metric tons per annum | 10.15 | – |
| E-Waste metric tons per lifecycle | 13 | – |
Kazansky, continues, said: “Groundbreaking advancements and discoveries in technology have transformed the way we access and interpret data. The 5D memory crystal offers limitless potential, and SPhotonix is eager to explore various industries for innovative applications of its technology. With ever-increasing compliance requirements and the need for some industries to keep data for over 30 years, organisations are having to look at the most eco-friendly way of doing this. Reliable data management plays a vital role in addressing energy challenges, enabling efficient resource allocation and long-term planning.
“Enhanced regulations along with technological innovations and community engagement, are crucial steps toward reducing the environmental impact of global data storage. Through concerted efforts encompassing technological advancements, regulatory measures, and sustainable practices, the data storage industry can move toward a more environmentally friendly future.”
SPhotonix was founded upon over three decades of Prof. Kazansky’s research at the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Center that recently stored the human genome on a 5D memory crystal that can last billions of years. The revolutionary technology developed for that purpose is now being applied to create these groundbreaking optical elements.
