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AI revolution propels Europe towards data center sustainability goals

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The surge in artificial intelligence (AI) development is sparking a shift towards more environmentally conscious practices within data centers in Europe. With the increasing demand for data processing driven by AI technologies, developers are facing mounting pressure to lower water temperatures in their energy-intensive facilities to accommodate the higher-powered chips, such as those produced by tech giant Nvidia.

According to research from Goldman Sachs, AI is projected to propel a 160% growth in demand for data centers by 2030. However, this growth may impede Europe’s decarbonization goals as the specialized chips used by AI firms require more energy, leading to elevated energy consumption and heat production in data centers.

High-powered chips, also known as GPUs, are essential for training and deploying large language models, a type of AI technology. These GPUs demand high-density computing power and produce significant heat, necessitating colder water temperatures for efficient chip cooling. Andrey Korolenko, chief product and infrastructure officer at Nebius, highlighted that AI could consume 120 kilowatts of energy per square meter in a data center, equivalent to the energy usage of 15 to 25 houses.

Michael Winterson, chair of the European Data Center Association (EUDCA), expressed concerns about the sustainability implications of lowering water temperatures to accommodate hotter AI chips. He cautioned that such a shift could undermine the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive goals and create an unsustainable situation reminiscent of past practices.

The European Commission is actively engaging with industry stakeholders to address energy management challenges posed by AI advancements. Schneider Electric, a leading energy management firm, emphasizes the importance of balancing energy consumption and cooling requirements in data centers deploying AI technologies.

As the race for AI efficiency intensifies, industry players like Nebius are investing heavily in AI infrastructure to meet the burgeoning demand. However, the industry faces challenges in aligning with EU sustainability objectives while ensuring cost-effective and energy-efficient operations.

In conclusion, the growing impact of AI on data centers underscores the need for sustainable practices and cooperative efforts to mitigate environmental concerns. As technology continues to evolve, stakeholders must navigate the fine line between meeting demand for AI capabilities and upholding environmental responsibilities.

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