The Digital Gold Rush: Why Investors Back Sustainable Data Centres

Forbes - Mar 20th, 2025
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IBM has opened its first quantum data center in Ehningen, Baden-Württemberg, marking a significant development in the rapidly evolving landscape of data centers driven by the AI boom. Data centers, now likened to a modern-day gold rush, are becoming pivotal in the digital economy, prompting major investments in infrastructure and energy-efficient solutions. As demand for data centers is projected to grow significantly by 2030, the focus has shifted towards energy availability, with AI and power-intensive chips driving this need.

Amidst this growth, the introduction of more efficient technologies, such as those by Chinese AI firm DeepSeek, could potentially alter power demand dynamics. However, the sector's sustainability remains a pressing concern. Innovative technologies like supercapacitors and heat recovery systems are being explored to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. With governments and tech giants announcing massive investments in AI infrastructure, the next five years are crucial for defining the future of data centers, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and strategic innovation.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the growth and investment in data centers, highlighting both the economic opportunities and sustainability challenges. It is timely and relevant, addressing current industry trends and debates. However, the lack of direct citations and detailed source attribution affects its accuracy and transparency. While the article is clear and well-structured, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives and deeper exploration of controversial issues. Overall, it serves as an informative piece for readers interested in the intersection of technology, investment, and sustainability, though it could enhance its impact and engagement by incorporating more diverse viewpoints and interactive elements.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article makes several claims about the growth and investment in data centers and their energy demands, which are partially supported by cited sources like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. However, specific projections, such as the increase in global data center demand and the related energy consumption figures, require verification. The mention of the Department of Energy's forecast for U.S. electricity usage by data centers is a precise claim but lacks direct source support in the article. Additionally, the economic value estimate of $10 trillion and the investment figures for AI infrastructure need confirmation. While the article provides a broad overview, the absence of direct citations for many statistics affects its accuracy score.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges within the data center industry, highlighting both the potential for investment and the environmental concerns associated with increased energy consumption. It discusses the role of emerging technologies in addressing sustainability issues, which adds depth to the narrative. However, the focus is primarily on the economic and technological aspects, with less emphasis on potential negative impacts or dissenting viewpoints, such as environmental or community concerns. This slight imbalance could be addressed by including more perspectives from environmental experts or affected communities.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey complex topics related to data centers and AI infrastructure. It effectively explains the relationship between data center growth and energy demands, using industry-specific terminology in an accessible manner. The logical flow of the article helps readers understand the potential implications of the 'digital gold rush' in data centers. However, the inclusion of more specific examples or case studies could enhance understanding and provide additional context.

5
Source quality

The article references well-known entities like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, which are credible sources for economic forecasts. However, it lacks direct citations or links to these reports, reducing the ability to verify the information independently. The absence of quotes or insights from industry experts or stakeholders further diminishes the depth of source quality. The reliance on unnamed projections and general statements without detailed attribution affects the overall credibility and reliability of the information presented.

4
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the sources of its claims and projections. While it mentions organizations like Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, it does not provide direct links or references to the specific reports or data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to assess the basis for the claims made. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or the methodology behind the data presented, which could impact the perceived impartiality of the information.

Sources

  1. https://blog.scottlogic.com/2025/03/18/insights-on-ai-sustainability-at-data-centre-world-2025.html
  2. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-and-telecom-predictions/2025/genai-power-consumption-creates-need-for-more-sustainable-data-centers.html