Internet energy mainly refers to

Internet energy refers to either the total energy consumed by the internet's infrastructure and devices or the use of internet technologies to optimize energy systems, known as the Internet of Energy (IoE).

Internet Energy Consumption

Internet energy consumption describes the total energy used by the global network of devices and infrastructure that make up the internet. This includes:

• Data Centers: Facilities housing servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. They are the largest energy consumers due to computing, data storage, and cooling requirements .
• Transmission Networks: Fiber optic cables, copper wires, and wireless networks that carry data globally, consuming energy to operate and maintain .
• End-User Devices: Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart appliances that access the internet, contributing to overall energy use . The internet currently accounts for an estimated 3–4% of global electricity usage, and this consumption is growing with the expansion of IoT devices, streaming, AI applications, and 5G networks . Even a simple action, like sending an email, involves energy use across devices, networks, and data centers, illustrating the distributed and energy-intensive nature of internet operations .

Internet of Energy (IoE)

The Internet of Energy is a specialized application of internet technologies to energy infrastructure and management. It enables:

• Real-time monitoring of energy production, distribution, and consumption.
• Smart grids and intelligent appliances that communicate to optimize energy use and efficiency.
• Big data analytics and AI to forecast energy demand and adjust supply dynamically . IoE focuses on automation and upgrading of the power grid, from energy producers to distribution utilities and end-user devices, allowing for more efficient energy delivery and reduced waste .

Summary

In essence, "Internet energy" can refer to:

1. The energy footprint of the internet itself, including data centers, networks, and devices.
2. The Internet of Energy, which leverages internet technologies to improve energy efficiency, management, and sustainability in power systems. Both interpretations highlight the critical intersection of digital technology and energy, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and sustainability in modern infrastructure .