AI is taking over the world and so are their data centers
It is amazing how big AI has grown in the recent years. And with this growth comes expansion. New data centers are being built to accommodate the increase in demand for AI. However this has also lead to conversations on resources.
Worldwide, around $3tn (£2.2tn) will be spent on data centres that support AI between now and 2029. (Dempsey, 2025)
In the UK alone, it's estimated that another 100 data centres will be built over the next few years to meet the demand for AI processing.
Nvidia chips come in large cabinets costing around $4m each. And these cabinets hold the key to why AI data centres are different.
The Large Language Models (LLMs) that train up AI software have to break language into every possible tiny element of meaning. That is only possible with a network of computers working in unison and in extremely close proximity.
Density eliminates the processing bottlenecks that regular data centres see from working with processors sitting several metres apart.
And while these data centers generate tons of business, there are also some more damaging impacts.
The data centre industry is acutely aware that legislators are keeping an eye on the downsides of AI factories with their intense energy use having a potential impact on local infrastructure and the environment.
Meanwhile a proposed AI factory in northern Lincolnshire in the UK has run into objections from Anglian Water, which is responsible for keeping taps on in the area of the proposed site. Anglian Water points out that it is not obliged to supply water for non-domestic use and suggests recycled water from the final stage of effluent treatment as a coolant rather than drinking water.
As a whole AI has provided many benefits for people's professional and personal lives. Businesses are spending millions of dollars in order to move forward in this sector of business. It is almost awe inspiring to imagine that amount of money being spend on AI. The article compared it to the worth of Frances economy in 2024.
On the other hand, in order for these data centers to run, high amounts of energy is expended. Due to the density at which the computer chips are, the center generate a lot of heat and thus need water in order to keep them cool.
For me this poses the question of whether or not AI is a good thing when it costs so many resources to maintain? I think that it is inevitable for AI to become a integrated in our daily lives, but there needs to be a better way or regulating in order to cut down on costs financially and ecologically.
References
Dempsey. M, (September 23, 2025). What's the big deal about AI data centres?. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg2ldpl9leo
Getty Images, (September 23, 2025). What's the big deal about AI data centres?. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg2ldpl9leo
