Hong Kong data centres have among world’s worst energy carbon footprints - UN study

Hong Kong's data centers are among the most carbon-intensive globally, primarily because the city heavily relies on a power grid fueled by fossil fuels, a new United Nations study reveals. The report, titled "Environmental Cost of AI's Energy Use," examines the environmental impact of the infrastructure powering artificial intelligence.

By 2030, data centers could consume an estimated 945 terawatt-hours of electricity annually. This figure is nearly triple the combined annual electricity usage of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria, nations collectively home to over 650 million people. The UN University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health specifically noted that Hong Kong's grid has a carbon footprint 43% higher than the global average.

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Indonesia, India, and Hong Kong (SAR) are among the most carbon-intensive grids with carbon footprints 62%, 51%, and 43% higher than the global average, respectively.

In contrast to its high carbon intensity, Hong Kong ranks among the lowest for water and land consumption associated with data centers. This is attributed to its energy mix, which does not depend on hydropower or renewable sources that typically require substantial water and land resources.

Despite these environmental concerns, Hong Kong remains a prime location for data centers due to its status as a trade and logistics hub with extensive telecommunication networks. The government is also actively developing new data facilities, including a large center in Sandy Ridge, to accommodate the growing demand.

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AI-related water consumption could equal the basic annual domestic needs of 1.3 billion people by the end of the decade, while its land footprint may exceed 14,500 square kilometres – roughly twice the size of the Jakarta metropolitan area.