Hong Kong's data centers are among the world's most carbon-intensive, according to a recent UN study. This is largely due to the city's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with energy derived from 67% fossil fuels, 32% nuclear, and only 1% renewables. The study, titled 'Environmental Cost of AI's Energy Use', highlights the significant environmental impact of data centers, which could consume 945 terawatt-hours by 2030. This is nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria, countries home to over 650 million people. Hong Kong's carbon footprint is 43% higher than the global average, with a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. The city's data centers are also water-intensive, but Hong Kong's energy mix, which doesn't rely on hydropower or renewable energy, helps keep water and land consumption relatively low.
The UN report emphasizes that daily AI use accounts for 80-90% of energy demand, not model training. This is particularly concerning given the rapid growth of AI usage, with ChatGPT processing 2.5 billion prompts per day and DeepSeek attracting over 20 million daily active users within three weeks of its launch. The report also highlights the need for data center operators to enhance energy efficiency to reduce their environmental impact. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has set rules for energy efficiency and water use in cooling towers, and the government is building a new data facility in Sandy Ridge, 90% of which will be dedicated to data centers.
However, the study also raises questions about the sustainability of Hong Kong's data center infrastructure. While the city's reliance on fossil fuels is a major issue, the lack of renewable energy sources and the high energy demand of AI models suggest that Hong Kong's data centers may continue to have a significant environmental impact. The city's role as a trade and logistics hub, with over 300 internet service providers and 12 external submarine optical fibre cable systems, means that data centers will continue to be a significant part of the city's infrastructure. As such, it is crucial for the government and data center operators to prioritize sustainable practices and invest in renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact of Hong Kong's data centers.
In my opinion, the UN study highlights the urgent need for Hong Kong to address its carbon-intensive energy grid and the environmental impact of its data centers. The city's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the high energy demand of AI models suggest that Hong Kong's data centers may continue to have a significant environmental impact. It is crucial for the government and data center operators to prioritize sustainable practices and invest in renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact of Hong Kong's data centers.
