Tech Stories Round-Up: Data Centre Energy Consumption, Low-Cost Green Hydrogen, Lego's Clean Energy Factory
Key Ideas
- Data centres are projected to consume more electricity than Japan by 2030, with the US and China leading the increase, but AI can bring efficiency gains to the energy sector.
- A low-cost green hydrogen-generating prototype produces clean water as a byproduct, potentially reducing production costs to $1 per kilogram within 15 years.
- Lego opens a $1 billion clean energy-operated factory in Vietnam, aiming to rely solely on renewable energy sources by early 2026.
- Other tech stories include a moss-based material to combat oil spills, a robotic dog reactivating equipment in a nuclear power site, and new lunar vehicle technologies showcased at the Space Symposium.
The tech roundup features the projection that data centres will consume more electricity than Japan by 2030, with the US and China contributing significantly. The International Energy Agency's report highlights the impact of AI on energy consumption, emphasizing the potential for efficiency gains in the energy sector. Renewable energy sources are identified as key in meeting the growing energy demands of data centres, potentially supplying nearly 50% of the increased demand.
The article also discusses a low-cost green hydrogen-generating prototype that produces clean water as a byproduct, aiming to reduce production costs significantly. Other stories include Lego's $1 billion clean energy-run factory in Vietnam, showcasing the shift towards sustainable operations in the tech industry.
Furthermore, innovative tech developments such as a moss-based material to combat oil spills, the use of a robotic dog in a nuclear power site, and new lunar vehicle technologies are highlighted. These advancements demonstrate the potential for technology to drive sustainability and efficiency across various sectors.