Artificial intelligence is taking off at a breakneck pace, shaking up industries and economies across the globe – the Asia-Pacific included. But with all that computational grunt powering AI, the energy demands are no joke. Running these advanced AI systems means massive data centres churning away around the clock, putting real pressure on power grids and hiking up carbon emissions.

Take a big AI model, like the ones behind ChatGPT or other autonomous tech: training just one can guzzle as much energy as a few hundred Aussie homes use in a year. As AI use skyrockets, the question becomes: how do we build and run data centres that not only handle these huge workloads but do it using clean energy that actually feeds power back into the grid? The short answer? A smart mix of tech innovation, government policies, and industry teamwork.

For Asia-Pacific countries, this challenge is front and centre. The region is buzzing with rapid urban growth, digital transformation, and booming industries – all boosting energy needs. AI adds another hefty demand on already stretched grids, many of which still lean heavily on fossil fuels. If we don’t act, AI’s energy appetite could threaten sustainability efforts, push up costs, and make meeting climate goals tougher than ever.

So what’s the game plan? Here are three key strategies shaping the future of AI and energy in the Asia-Pacific:

Powering Up with Renewables

First up is shifting data centres onto renewable energy – think solar, wind, and hydro. Countries like Australia, Singapore, and Japan are already making moves here. Australia’s luck with solar and wind resources means operators are locking in renewable energy deals. For example, Equinix signed a major power purchase agreement for 151 MW with TagEnergy, securing clean juice for its Australian data centres.

Singapore, despite limited space, is getting creative with offshore solar and importing green energy from neighbours. Equinix’s deal with local energy giant Sembcorp taps a 75 MWp solar project aimed at greening its facilities.

Japan’s leaning on hydropower and geothermal sources, especially around Hokkaido. The government’s “Green Growth Strategy” from 2020 aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, pushing data centres to run partly on renewables.

By plugging AI-powered data centres into these greener grids, countries can cut the environmental cost of their booming digital economies.

Smarter Grids and Energy Reuse

Next, it’s about making data centres more than just energy consumers – turning them into active players in the grid. Data centres kick out a lot of heat, so recovering and reusing that waste heat for nearby homes or businesses is a clever way to boost efficiency. Also in the mix are battery storage and load balancing. AI workloads can be power-hungry but uneven – batteries help smooth out the spikes and lulls, storing renewable energy when it’s sunny or windy, then feeding it back when demand’s high.

Some innovators are even exploring green hydrogen, using spare renewable energy to make hydrogen that can be stored and later turned back into power. It’s early days, but it’s a promising piece of the puzzle.

Governments and Industry Pulling Together

None of this happens in a vacuum. Governments have a huge role to play with incentives – like tax breaks or subsidies – that encourage companies to back renewable-powered data centres. Clear sustainability targets for the digital infrastructure sector will keep everyone honest and moving in the right direction. Plus, embedding environmental assessments into planning helps avoid nasty surprises.

Cross-border energy projects, like the proposed ASEAN power grid, could be a game changer. Linking grids across countries means data centres can tap green energy even if their local area struggles to supply enough. On the private side, tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and AWS are already committing to carbon-free cloud services. Regional players can learn from them and set their own ambitious green goals.

Looking Ahead: AI Without the Carbon Footprint

AI’s role in business and government will only grow from here. As Asia-Pacific countries race ahead with digital change, they’ve got to prioritise building infrastructure that’s sustainable, not just powerful.

By embracing renewables, creating data centres that give energy back, and fostering real teamwork between governments and industry, the region can lead the world in both AI smarts and sustainability. It’s a tall order, but with the right moves, AI and clean energy can walk hand in hand – pushing progress forward without wrecking the planet.