AI Data Centers Face Unexpected Risk
MapleCroft has released a new research paper titled “Majority of world’s top data centre hubs face array of rising heat-related risks.” It shows that an ongoing jump in global temperatures is putting unexpected pressure on the world’s top 100 data centers, the internet’s infrastructure. Most stores store and process data for commercial operations and individual users. They also support AI and cloud computing. More than 50% are at substantial risk because of climate change, and the problem will worsen, the data show.
Rising temperatures mean that data centers will need more cooling to keep servers from overheating. This process sharply increases their water and electricity use. In turn, the moves up costs over operations. If energy sources of the grid are not expanded, data centers will compete with commercial and residential users. The trend will also raise energy prices.
Data Center Backup Plans
Data centers do have backup plans. This includes generators. There have also been advances in the more efficient use of electricity. Climate change is increasing at a more rapid rate. Systems to supplement grid-delivered energy will eventually run out of road. Heatwaves this year are an example of how challenges could grow.
The Maplecroft analysis uses a “Cooling Degree Days Index” as the yardstick of how often temperatures get high enough to increase the need for extra cooling. Fifty-six of the top data centers are at “high” or “very high” risk. If emissions-based global warming speeds up, the figure surges to 68% by 2040 and 80% by 2080. The 100 data centers will face an 83% surge in cooling needs from 2030 to 2080. This could trigger higher electricity rates, blackouts, and the rationing of electricity
As AI electcity use moves rapidly higher, the list of problems gets longer.
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