A Scorching Affair: Data Centers Defy Reason in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East 🔥

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A most curious global analysis has unearthed that hundreds of data centers, those modern marvels of industry, are operating in climates far too hot for their delicate sensibilities, thereby inflating costs, draining energy supplies, and raising concerns of long-term sustainability with alarming frequency.

Nearly 7,000 Data Centers Reside in Climes Too Warm for Reason

The report, published by Rest of the World and penned by the estimable Hazel Gandhi and Rina Chandran, maps nearly 9,000 operational data centers across 21 countries, comparing their locations with average annual temperatures as if arranging a marriage between logic and folly.

By the esteemed benchmarks of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the optimal temperature range for these centers is declared to be between 18°C and 27°C. Yet, as of October 2025, the analysis reveals 8,808 such facilities in operation, a number expected to triple by 2030. One might wonder if these centers are less data hubs and more fever dreams.

Of these 7,000-plus facilities residing outside the optimal range, many occupy colder climes, but 600-nearly 10% of the global total-persist in regions where temperatures exceed 27°C. In 21 countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Nigeria, and the UAE, every data center is situated in zones too hot for efficient cooling. A choice as sensible as wearing a bonnet in a thunderstorm.

Even Saudi Arabia and Malaysia find all their data centers in such sweltering locales, while Indonesia and India host half and 30%, respectively, of facilities in blistering heat. Despite these trials, investments continue, as nations strive to meet demand for cloud services and AI, all while keeping data within borders as if it were a cherished heirloom. A most peculiar dance of progress and peril.

Singapore alone boasts over 1.4 gigawatts of data center capacity and plans to add 300 megawatts more, though all 72 of its centers reside in climates that would make even Mr. Darcy perspire. High temperatures, one imagines, strain not only grids but the patience of engineers. Cooling costs rise, outages loom, and one might ask, “Is this the price of innovation?”

The report notes that data centers consumed 415 terawatt-hours of electricity globally in 2024-1.5% of total use-with demand set to double by 2030. To stave off catastrophe, operators now dabble in alternatives to air cooling: direct-to-chip liquid cooling, hydro-cooling, immersion systems, and hybrids for humid climes. A most ingenious array, though deploying them in older facilities proves as challenging as convincing a gentleman to dance with a lady who prefers chess.

While these innovations promise to reduce energy and water use, the report cautions that retrofitting old centers in hot regions is fraught with difficulty. One might liken it to persuading a stubborn mule to wear spectacles. Long-term resilience risks, dear reader, remain ever-present.

FAQ

  • Why are data centers being built in hot climates?
    Countries, in their pursuit of AI and data sovereignty, construct these centers even in climes that would scorch a lobster. A most curious conundrum.
  • What temperature range is considered optimal for data centers?
    Industry guidelines, with all due solemnity, recommend 18°C to 27°C. A range as precise as a lady’s corset.
  • How many data centers operate in overly hot regions?
    Approximately 600, or 10% of the global total, reside in areas where temperatures exceed 27°C. A number as concerning as a suitor’s sudden interest in your fortune.
  • What solutions are being explored to reduce heat-related risks?
    Operators experiment with liquid cooling, immersion systems, and hybrids. One might call it a technological waltz.

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2025-12-20 22:58