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<p>As a new-type infrastructure, green data centers (GDC) have significant potential in promoting carbon neutrality. In this study, we consider China’s GDC pilot as a quasi-natural experiment and establish a multi-period difference-in-differences model to explore the role of GDC in reducing carbon emissions (CE). Using panel data of 281 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2022, we find that GDC have a significant carbon emission reduction effect, resulting in a 3.58% decrease in per capita CE in pilot cities. Mechanism tests reveal that the abatement effect is driven by reducing energy consumption, enhancing economic agglomeration, and fostering green technology innovation. Furthermore, the moderating effect analysis indicates that higher levels of digital finance and public environmental attention enhance the abatement effect of GDC on CE. Meanwhile, the abatement effect is greater in eastern region, southern region, non-resource-based cities, gigabit cities, and high climate policy uncertainty cities. In addition, we also find that GDC have both eco-environmental and social welfare effect. Our research expands the literature on factors influencing CE and the externalities of infrastructure, while also serves as a guide for policymakers to scientifically layout GDC to promote carbon neutrality.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Green digital pathway toward carbon neutrality: examining the role of green data centers in reducing carbon emissions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月2日

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  • Changfei Nie,
  • Yuening Li,
  • Yuan Feng

摘要

As a new-type infrastructure, green data centers (GDC) have significant potential in promoting carbon neutrality. In this study, we consider China’s GDC pilot as a quasi-natural experiment and establish a multi-period difference-in-differences model to explore the role of GDC in reducing carbon emissions (CE). Using panel data of 281 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2022, we find that GDC have a significant carbon emission reduction effect, resulting in a 3.58% decrease in per capita CE in pilot cities. Mechanism tests reveal that the abatement effect is driven by reducing energy consumption, enhancing economic agglomeration, and fostering green technology innovation. Furthermore, the moderating effect analysis indicates that higher levels of digital finance and public environmental attention enhance the abatement effect of GDC on CE. Meanwhile, the abatement effect is greater in eastern region, southern region, non-resource-based cities, gigabit cities, and high climate policy uncertainty cities. In addition, we also find that GDC have both eco-environmental and social welfare effect. Our research expands the literature on factors influencing CE and the externalities of infrastructure, while also serves as a guide for policymakers to scientifically layout GDC to promote carbon neutrality.

Graphical abstract