Can you imagine that data centres might be part of a just transition from fossil fuels, is Tranaki? You will be aware that, from an environmental perspective, AI uses a lot of energy and water. Imagine data centres designed with circularity in mind as a part of an industry precinct. It is possible that they can be powered by renewable energy, and the waste heat is captured for industrial or domestic use – think food production, or home heating, for example.
Data centres are experimenting with load shifting between centres to balance energy demands, and Google for example is working with energy companies such as Fervo, to achieve their aspiration of 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. New geothermal energy technology is the key.
Taranaki would be a prime site for such an initiative. I am not sure of the depth of geothermal hotspots relative to Rotorua, but it also has a skilled workforce that could migrate fossil fuel prospecting to geothermal energy production.
Climate Action Tai Tokerau 