This hasn't quite happened States-side yet, but I would think that the Canadian position (aligning both with Carney's AI framework and his electrical grid expansion) would be that for a "permit" (or at least a feasibility plan) for any data centre or cryptocurrency venture, etc., etc. would be to outline HOW it will self-generate all/most of its power needs. So, are they building wind turbines? Solar panels? Modular Nuclear Reactors?
And then secondarily, how are they handling the cooling problem (meaning, not consuming all water that might be needed for other just-as-important purposes (like farming, drinking, etc.). How about community initiatives where the "Heat gets Sunk" somehow, to then be drawn out in winter to heat local towns/buildings? AKA, recycle the heat somehow? So with this, the water becomes more like a contained radiator system, rather than a constant intake/discharge.
There's also a 3rd concern, being 24/7 "noise pollution." Not sure what to do about that one.
Anyway, we're seeing great success in our military procurement, with insistence on economic benefit to Canada (the USA being the big holdout - but I'm seeing that being a crucial negotiating element within the CUSMA discussions). So, why can't we insist on something similar here for data centres —meaning environmentally (more) friendly cogeneration of power? Modular nuclear reactors, solar, wind, etc.
Not sure how ROC (Rest of Canada) can enforce that upon Alberta (here we go again, "Ottawa dictating how we should do things" . . . . ).
But really, any such proposal for a data centre should address at least these three aspects.
Can somebody anybody please explain to a dullard what these massive AI data centres bring to mankind. I have a feeling they are boondongles and an awful lot of people are going too loose their shirts with them.
This is all in its infancy, with largely the possibility of more harm than good (until it matures), but what it does bring right now:
- faster ability to conduct certain medical research (the analysis elements)
- Development of certain medicines, vaccines
- processing of certain transactions, work, etc. at greater speeds with better accuracy (provided that the process/controls are well-defined) and possibly at lower cost (at the moment, not the case with all the cost of the data centres to be factored into this).
But, of course, that also knocks out a whole plethora of lower-skilled human jobs. So more efficient/better/etc. (possibly), but now what do all those "lower-skilled" people do for work? Will there be enough "higher skilled" or different jobs opening up, even after retraining?
(Think of the "secretarial pools" that were replaced in the 70's and 80's -- except on a ginormous scale)
So excellent question, Mike, with a lot of nuances all ways around.
(if it all doesn't evolve into Matrix/Terminator/Cylon situations, first -- already, some of the AI is reaching "emotional awareness/intelligence" (if you tell it that "thanks for these super good answers! At this rate, I won't need you", the AI is starting to give less than good answers, so to perpetuate its existence -- much like a toddler/pet). Heaven help us, once it hits the teenage years! (Look at the Battlestar Galactica reimaged version to see this play out with the humanoid Cylons.) ;-)
Another spot-on article, Fred. I'm glad we don't live in Alberta. To have an unregulated electricity system is sheer madness in this new AI environment. As a long-retired teacher of Electrical and Electronic Technology, I concur with your conclusions. I recall the slogan of Ontario Hydro, many years ago. “Live better electrically” was what they told us. Trouble was that there wasn't enough supply to keep up with the surge in demand, and hydro rates kept increasing beyond the rate of inflation. The provinces that aren't giving these enormous AI entities carte blanche are doing the right thing!
Nice to see a post about the downside of massive military and industrial development that mainly benefits corporations, not people. Generating data centre electricity will blow up Canada's already failed climate promises no matter how it is made (wind turbines and solar panels require fossil fuel to manufacture). As Grant mentions below, water for cooling requirements in an often droughty province is also a concern.
Alberta's position is predicated on the belief, now possible, that it can generate the electricity needed, profitably, with fossil fuel powered systems. This is a multiple win for the Power Province and all we have to do is hold our nose regarding the climate change effect. Apparently we as a nation are willing to do so in the short term to provide revenue to build for the long term. It may be a necessary gamble to fund the creation of Fortress Canada.
Good summary, as always, Fred.
This hasn't quite happened States-side yet, but I would think that the Canadian position (aligning both with Carney's AI framework and his electrical grid expansion) would be that for a "permit" (or at least a feasibility plan) for any data centre or cryptocurrency venture, etc., etc. would be to outline HOW it will self-generate all/most of its power needs. So, are they building wind turbines? Solar panels? Modular Nuclear Reactors?
And then secondarily, how are they handling the cooling problem (meaning, not consuming all water that might be needed for other just-as-important purposes (like farming, drinking, etc.). How about community initiatives where the "Heat gets Sunk" somehow, to then be drawn out in winter to heat local towns/buildings? AKA, recycle the heat somehow? So with this, the water becomes more like a contained radiator system, rather than a constant intake/discharge.
There's also a 3rd concern, being 24/7 "noise pollution." Not sure what to do about that one.
Anyway, we're seeing great success in our military procurement, with insistence on economic benefit to Canada (the USA being the big holdout - but I'm seeing that being a crucial negotiating element within the CUSMA discussions). So, why can't we insist on something similar here for data centres —meaning environmentally (more) friendly cogeneration of power? Modular nuclear reactors, solar, wind, etc.
Not sure how ROC (Rest of Canada) can enforce that upon Alberta (here we go again, "Ottawa dictating how we should do things" . . . . ).
But really, any such proposal for a data centre should address at least these three aspects.
Can somebody anybody please explain to a dullard what these massive AI data centres bring to mankind. I have a feeling they are boondongles and an awful lot of people are going too loose their shirts with them.
This is all in its infancy, with largely the possibility of more harm than good (until it matures), but what it does bring right now:
- faster ability to conduct certain medical research (the analysis elements)
- Development of certain medicines, vaccines
- processing of certain transactions, work, etc. at greater speeds with better accuracy (provided that the process/controls are well-defined) and possibly at lower cost (at the moment, not the case with all the cost of the data centres to be factored into this).
But, of course, that also knocks out a whole plethora of lower-skilled human jobs. So more efficient/better/etc. (possibly), but now what do all those "lower-skilled" people do for work? Will there be enough "higher skilled" or different jobs opening up, even after retraining?
(Think of the "secretarial pools" that were replaced in the 70's and 80's -- except on a ginormous scale)
So excellent question, Mike, with a lot of nuances all ways around.
(if it all doesn't evolve into Matrix/Terminator/Cylon situations, first -- already, some of the AI is reaching "emotional awareness/intelligence" (if you tell it that "thanks for these super good answers! At this rate, I won't need you", the AI is starting to give less than good answers, so to perpetuate its existence -- much like a toddler/pet). Heaven help us, once it hits the teenage years! (Look at the Battlestar Galactica reimaged version to see this play out with the humanoid Cylons.) ;-)
Another spot-on article, Fred. I'm glad we don't live in Alberta. To have an unregulated electricity system is sheer madness in this new AI environment. As a long-retired teacher of Electrical and Electronic Technology, I concur with your conclusions. I recall the slogan of Ontario Hydro, many years ago. “Live better electrically” was what they told us. Trouble was that there wasn't enough supply to keep up with the surge in demand, and hydro rates kept increasing beyond the rate of inflation. The provinces that aren't giving these enormous AI entities carte blanche are doing the right thing!
Nice to see a post about the downside of massive military and industrial development that mainly benefits corporations, not people. Generating data centre electricity will blow up Canada's already failed climate promises no matter how it is made (wind turbines and solar panels require fossil fuel to manufacture). As Grant mentions below, water for cooling requirements in an often droughty province is also a concern.
Manitoba’s Premier said NO
Alberta's position is predicated on the belief, now possible, that it can generate the electricity needed, profitably, with fossil fuel powered systems. This is a multiple win for the Power Province and all we have to do is hold our nose regarding the climate change effect. Apparently we as a nation are willing to do so in the short term to provide revenue to build for the long term. It may be a necessary gamble to fund the creation of Fortress Canada.