Singapore is focusing on creating eco-friendly data centers to save energy. The country has just announced a plan for these green data centers, showing their commitment to a strong digital economy while caring for the environment.
Singapore has unveiled a roadmap for green data centers amid AI growth that strains energy resources.ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images
Response to AI Demand in Singapore
Addressing the escalating demand for artificial intelligence (AI), Singapore emphasized the importance of green data centers to alleviate pressure on energy resources. CNBC reported that the city-state unveiled a roadmap for sustainable data centers in an effort to support its aspirations for a thriving digital economy.
According to CNBC, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary highlighted on Thursday the significance of this initiative, stressing that as the need for digital and AI computing expands, so will the demand for data center capacity.
Part of the plan is to provide some 300 megawatts of additional capacity soon and more via "green energy deployments." The push for green data centers aligns with Singapore's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in the face of rapid technological advancements.
In a press release, Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority highlighted the role of data centers in leveraging the country's position as a business and digital hub. IMDA plays a crucial role in promoting and regulating Singapore's communication and media sectors.
Rising AI Demand Fuels Need for Data Centers
The surge in AI adoption has driven a heightened need for data centers. These facilities are essential for storing the massive data necessary for training and implementing AI models, resulting in significant energy consumption.
The report added that ongoing governmental incentives are necessary to encourage companies like Microsoft and Google to intensify their investments in clean energy solutions.
Data centers represent a significant portion of the information and communications sector's carbon footprint, being the primary indirect carbon emitter. Puthucheary noted that these centers contribute to 82% of Singapore's ICT sector emissions and consume 7% of the country's total electricity.
According to the data provided by global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, Singapore ranks as Southeast Asia's second-largest data center market and the sixth-largest in the Asia-Pacific region.
The city-state boasts over 70 cloud, enterprise, and co-location data centers capable of accommodating cloud platforms, digital services, and demanding AI workloads.
With the global data center market reaching unprecedented levels in 2023, power constraints have compelled data center operators to explore emerging and smaller markets across the globe, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
Singapore is also taking proactive steps to tackle the growing threat of deepfakes and misinformation by allocating $20 million to develop advanced detection tools.
This initiative, dubbed "Building an Inclusive and Safe Digital Society," is in response to escalating risks in the digital realm, including cyberattacks, scams, and the proliferation of harmful content.
Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo stressed the urgency of Singapore's adoption of new approaches to combat scammers and emerging online threats.
