Southeast Asia is racing to build the infrastructure powering the AI boom, but its hot, humid climate could be making that expansion more complicated. Data center demand in the region, where supply is up to 70% lower than in mature markets like the U.S. and China, is expected to grow by 20% each year through 2028, according to the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. There are now 370 data centers in the ...
The article highlights the challenges and opportunities in Southeast Asia's data center expansion. The region's tropical climate poses significant energy and cooling issues, but also presents potential for renewable energy sources. Data centers are seen as crucial to the region's digital future, with tech giants investing billions, yet there is concern about sustainability, grid compatibility, and carbon intensity. The article suggests that successful projects will prioritize power usage effecti...