By Alice Chambers |
Microsoft has revealed a five-point plan designed to help the US “build transformative infrastructure in a way that strengthens, rather than strains, the local communities where it takes root,” according to Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft.
The initiative, called Community-First AI Infrastructure, aims address growing concerns around the local impact of data centres. These include pressure on residential electricity prices – at a time when the International Energy Agency estimates that US data centre electricity demand will more than triple by 2035 – as well as tightening water supplies, exacerbated by ageing municipal systems and long-standing infrastructure gaps.
Under the five-point plan, Microsoft has committed to paying its way to ensure its data centres do not drive up local electricity prices. It will also minimise water use and replenish more water than it consumes by optimising water usage across its data centre operations. In addition, Microsoft plans to create jobs for local residents, expand the tax base that supports public services, and invest in local AI training programmes and non-profit organisations.
“This commits us to the concrete steps needed to be a good neighbour in the communities where we build, own and operate our data centres,” said Smith in a Microsoft blog post.
Smith emphasised that community trust will be critical to the long-term success of AI infrastructure expansion: “Successful infrastructure buildouts will only progress when communities feel that the gains outweigh the costs. Long-term success requires a commitment to address public needs, including by the private companies making these investments.”
While the initial focus is on the US, Microsoft said it is developing similar frameworks for other countries, tailored to local needs and traditions.
“Private companies can help by stepping up and acting in a responsible way,” said Smith. “We cannot surmount inevitable community challenges by ourselves. But we can make everything easier by embracing a long-term vision. By recognising our responsibility. By playing a constructive role. And by supporting the entire community.”