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The rapid expansion of data centers worldwide shows no signs of abating, as major tech companies explore innovative ways to support the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) sector. This exploration includes options such as nuclear energy, liquid cooling systems, and advancements in quantum computing.
Despite the enthusiasm, critics caution that the slowing pace of efficiency improvements in energy consumption highlights the hidden environmental costs associated with the tech industry’s growth. Somya Joshi, Head of Division: Global Agendas, Climate and Systems at the Stockholm Environment Institute, emphasized that the real environmental toll is often obscured by the urgent need for tech companies to deliver products quickly.
As reported by the International Energy Agency, investments in data centers are projected to surge, driven by increasing digitalization and the rise of generative AI. This anticipated demand raises concerns about a substantial increase in electricity consumption and the environmental implications of AI technologies.
Raj Hazra, CEO of Quantinuum, noted that every major technological advancement experiences a period of reflection and reassessment, suggesting that the current enthusiasm for generative AI may lead to challenges down the line.
Data centers are crucial to the infrastructure supporting modern cloud computing and AI applications, and their energy consumption continues to rise. Giampiero Frisio, president of electrification at ABB, highlighted significant growth in the company’s data center business, predicting over 24% growth in 2024. He advocates for enhancing energy efficiency through existing technologies such as the HiPerGuard medium voltage uninterruptible power supply, which can support large facilities with continuous power.
Frisio also pointed to liquid cooling as a promising solution for improving energy efficiency, especially as server power densities increase. He anticipates that modular nuclear systems will become a viable option in the next five to ten years.
Big Tech’s foray into nuclear energy has gained momentum, with companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon securing multi-billion-dollar deals to enhance their energy capacities for running complex AI models. This aligns with a broader push for efficient cooling solutions, such as liquid cooling, which utilizes water to maintain optimal temperatures for servers.
Schneider Electric recently acquired a controlling stake in Motivair Corp, a firm specializing in liquid cooling technologies, as part of its strategy to strengthen its data center offerings. The CEO described the acquisition as fitting seamlessly into the company’s plans, signaling a commitment to innovative cooling solutions.
In addition to nuclear and liquid cooling technologies, some industry leaders argue that AI advancements could contribute to decarbonizing data centers. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt suggested that investing in AI might be critical for addressing environmental challenges. However, Joshi firmly rejected this notion, calling it a familiar narrative that oversimplifies the complexities of sustainability within planetary limits.
Hazra also expressed concern about the sustainability of generative AI and the infrastructure it requires, emphasizing the need for responsible resource management. He pointed out that quantum computing could play a vital role in creating sustainable solutions for AI challenges, highlighting its potential in managing the demands of modern computing frameworks.
As the landscape of computing evolves, Hazra believes that businesses will increasingly seek a combination of high-performance computing, AI, and quantum technology to meet their operational needs. The emphasis will shift towards not just having solutions but ensuring those solutions are sustainable and responsible, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental impact and resource efficiency in the tech industry.
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