Hong Kong's data centres have come under scrutiny for their significant carbon footprint, as highlighted by a recent UN study. The report, titled "Environmental Cost of AI's Energy Use," sheds light on the global environmental impact of AI infrastructure, with a particular focus on data centres.
One of the key findings is the heavy reliance of Hong Kong's energy grid on fossil fuels, which has led to its data centres being among the most carbon-intensive in the world. With 67% of Hong Kong's energy derived from fossil fuels, the city's data centres contribute to a carbon footprint that is 43% higher than the global average.
"Indonesia, India, and Hong Kong (SAR) are among the most carbon-intensive grids," the report states. This is a concerning trend, especially when considering the potential for growth in data centre usage and the associated energy demands.
However, it's not all doom and gloom for Hong Kong. The city's data centres are ranked among the lightest in terms of water and land consumption. This is primarily due to the energy mix, which does not heavily rely on hydropower or renewable energy sources that require substantial water and land resources.
As a major trade and logistics hub, Hong Kong's strategic location and robust telecommunication networks make it an attractive choice for data centres. With over 300 internet service providers and connections to multiple submarine optical fibre cable systems, the city offers an ideal infrastructure for data storage and processing.
The government is also taking steps to address the environmental concerns. A new data facility is being constructed in Sandy Ridge, with a significant portion dedicated to data centres. Additionally, the Digital Policy Office and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) have implemented policies and guidelines to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
The UN report also highlights the importance of daily AI use, rather than just model training, in terms of energy demand. ChatGPT, for example, processes billions of prompts daily, with image generation requiring significantly more energy than text queries. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of AI technologies and the need for more efficient practices.
In my opinion, Hong Kong's data centre industry has an opportunity to lead by example in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency. By embracing innovative solutions and adopting best practices, the city can reduce its carbon footprint and set a precedent for other global hubs. It's a challenging task, but with the right initiatives and a commitment to environmental stewardship, Hong Kong can play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future for AI and data centre operations.
