Despite advancements in sustainable energy technologies, global energy consumption continues to be dominated by fossil fuels, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Governments worldwide have set ambitious targets for transitioning to renewable energy. However, the energy demand of data centers, which house the servers and networking equipment for the internet and cloud services, is projected to double every five years. Since data centers operate 24/7 and require massive amounts of electricity, much of which is currently sourced from fossil fuels, achieving global renewable energy targets will be exceedingly difficult.
Correct: B
The argument concludes that achieving global renewable energy targets will be 'exceedingly difficult' because data center energy demand is projected to double and much is currently fossil fuel-sourced. For this conclusion to hold, it must be the case that the growth in data center energy demand will pose a significant challenge to the overall renewable energy transition. This challenge would materialize if this increased demand cannot be adequately met by renewable sources, implying that renewable capacity growth won't keep pace. If renewable capacity *could* easily meet this demand, then data centers wouldn't necessarily make the targets 'exceedingly difficult'. Choice B captures this essential implicit premise. Choice D is too strong ('primarily be met by fossil fuels') - the argument is about difficulty, not certain failure. Choice C is a possible assumption but not the most critical one for the 'exceedingly difficult' conclusion. Choices A and E are not directly supported or necessary.