Sustainable development Archives | Page 278 of 300

Schneider expands data centre offerings with $850 million deal

Schneider Electric has announced an $850 million deal to acquire a 75% controlling stake in Motivair Corp, a US company specialising in liquid cooling solutions for high-performance computing. The French firm expects to complete the all-cash deal in the coming quarters, with plans to acquire the remaining stake by 2028. The acquisition is part of Schneider’s strategy to expand its offerings for the rapidly growing data centre market, which increasingly demands efficient cooling solutions for technologies like generative AI.

Motivair, located in Buffalo, New York, manufactures advanced cooling systems that pump coolant directly near chips, efficiently managing the heat produced by high-performance computing—something traditional air cooling struggles to do. Schneider CEO Peter Herweck emphasised the expansion of the data centre and networks sector, which accounted for 21% of the company’s 2023 orders, approximately 8 billion euros. He also noted strong global demand for these technologies.

Herweck stated that Schneider is not actively pursuing further acquisitions in the data centre sector but remains open to opportunities as they emerge. The company’s shares have climbed 31% this year, driven by its strong market presence and the growing demand for advanced cooling solutions in data centres.

Mekong partnership strengthens regional digital security

The Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP) recently hosted a policy dialogue on online scams, bringing together government representatives from Thailand, the US, and Vietnam. The seminar, held in Bangkok, focused on addressing cybersecurity issues and fostering cooperation to combat online crime across the Mekong region. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Stimson Center, with support from the US Department of State.

Discussions centred around strategies to prevent online scams, enhance risk management, and ensure the security of digital financial systems. Thai officials, including Ekapong Harimcharoen from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, highlighted national policies and shared insights with international partners. Participants explored collaborative efforts to build a secure online environment and promote regional connectivity under the MUSP framework.

Thailand is taking significant steps to expand its digital economy, projected to contribute 11% to GDP by 2027. Several laws and initiatives are already in place, such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the Cyber Security Act. These measures aim to protect data, promote responsible AI development, and safeguard critical infrastructure sectors including healthcare, banking, and telecommunications.

With remote work and cloud technologies becoming more prominent, the demand for cybersecurity solutions is growing. Thailand aims to position itself as a regional leader in information and communications technology while tackling the evolving challenges of cybercrime. Cooperation under the MUSP framework is expected to enhance resilience in the digital landscape of the Mekong sub-region.

America Movil plans major 5G push in 2025

The Mexican telecom giant, America Movil, will focus on expanding its 5G wireless technology next year, prioritising Latin American markets. Controlled by billionaire Carlos Slim’s family, the company aims to advance its 5G network across key regions.

The company allocated $7 billion for capital expenditure this year, with 5G expansion at the core of its strategy. CEO Daniel Hajj confirmed the effort will continue in 2025, singling out Mexico and other Latin American countries as priorities.

Additional funding is being considered to support operations in markets like Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, according to CFO Daniel Garcia. Maintaining current debt levels remains a goal despite plans for refinancing in these regions.

America Movil is also in discussions with SpaceX for potential collaboration. A partnership with the space technology firm could link SpaceX services with the company’s main mobile network. Shares rose over 3% following a strong earnings report, highlighted by tripled quarterly profits.

Intel faces scrutiny as China calls for security review over national security concerns

The Cybersecurity Association of China (CSAC) has urged a security review of Intel’s products in China, alleging that the US chipmaker poses a national security risk. Although CSAC is an industry group, it has strong connections to the Chinese government, and its claims may prompt action from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).

CSAC’s post on WeChat accuses Intel’s chips, including its Xeon processors used for AI, of containing vulnerabilities and backdoors allegedly tied to the US NSA. The group warns that using Intel products threatens China’s national security and critical infrastructure.

This recommendation comes amid growing US-China tensions over technology and trade. Last year, the CAC banned Chinese infrastructure operators from using products from Micron Technology after a security review, raising concerns that Intel could face a similar outcome.

Intel’s China unit responded, emphasising its commitment to product safety and quality. The company stated on its WeChat account that it will cooperate with authorities to clarify concerns. If the CAC carries out a security review, it could impact Intel’s sales in its significant Chinese market. Intel’s shares recently dropped 2.7% in US premarket trading.

Cross-border mobility boosted by Kyrgyzstan’s digital IDs

Kyrgyzstan is advancing towards comprehensive digital transformation by modernising identity systems and public services. Since adopting universal ID numbers in 2014, the country has introduced biometric passports and e-ID cards, ensuring secure and efficient identity management. These digital credentials provide citizens with access to public services while minimising fraud risks.

The government’s 2024-2028 digital transformation strategy aims to streamline public services via platforms like Tunduk, inspired by Estonia’s X-Road system. The platform integrates over 160 public services into mobile applications, allowing easy access to essential services. Kyrgyzstan has partnered with global firms such as KOMSCO, Mühlbauer, and Emptech to support these efforts.

Neighbouring countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, are exploring cross-border digital identity solutions with Kyrgyzstan. This initiative aims to improve regional mobility and trade by enabling border crossings using national ID cards. However, challenges related to data sharing and cybersecurity remain key issues that need collaboration and trust among countries.

Despite infrastructure limitations in rural areas, Kyrgyzstan’s digital initiatives are gaining momentum with support from international partners like the UNDP and the EU. Enhanced mobile coverage and a 98% mobile penetration rate enable citizens to use digital IDs for official purposes, contributing to more transparent governance and fostering participation in the digital economy.

Wolfspeed’s shares surge following grant announcement

Wolfspeed is set to receive $750 million in government grants for its new silicon carbide wafer manufacturing plant in North Carolina, as announced by the US Commerce Department. This funding news caused the US chipmaker’s shares to surge over 30%. The preliminary agreement requires Wolfspeed to strengthen its balance sheet to safeguard taxpayer funds.

Investment firms, led by Apollo Global Management, have pledged an additional $750 million in financing for Wolfspeed. The company produces energy-efficient chips using silicon carbide, crucial for applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. As part of a larger $6 billion expansion plan, Wolfspeed aims to increase its manufacturing capacity in Marcy, New York.

Wolfspeed anticipates up to $1 billion in cash tax refunds from the advanced manufacturing tax credit under the Chips and Science Act. CEO Gregg Lowe highlighted the significance of Wolfspeed’s products to the US economy and national security. However, the company has encountered difficulties this year, with its stock plummeting nearly 75% due to a decline in electric vehicle demand. The grant remains subject to due diligence and is not yet finalised.

Cyprus and Khazna to forge strategic digital partnership

Cyprus and Khazna have entered into a significant partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy. That agreement aims to enhance Cyprus’s digital infrastructure by focusing on joint data centre projects, thereby positioning Cyprus as a key player in the global digital landscape.

Recognising Cyprus’s geographical advantage as a natural data gateway connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, the collaboration seeks to attract businesses that require reliable, scalable, and secure data platforms. Furthermore, with a robust network of submarine fibre-optic cables and satellite teleports already in place, additional investments are planned to strengthen this infrastructure and meet the growing demands for digital connectivity.

In addition, the partnership aims to integrate advanced technologies such as AI, smart mobility, and space solutions, driving the evolution of Cyprus into a regional tech and innovation hub while fostering a vibrant digital economy for both citizens and businesses. Moreover, the commitment to creating new business and economic opportunities is expected to benefit society and future generations.

By leveraging Khazna’s expertise in hyperscale digital infrastructure, this collaboration will further enhance Cyprus’s position as a growing technology hub in the region. Ultimately, this partnership signifies a strategic commitment to digital transformation and reflects a shared vision of a digitally advanced Cyprus poised for future innovation and growth.

Telecom leaders urge policy reforms for India’s digital future

Telecom leaders emphasised the urgent need for policy reforms to secure India’s digital future at the India Mobile Congress. They highlighted critical issues such as data localisation, AI adoption, and the expansion of satellite services, thereby calling for immediate action to address these challenges.

Specifically, the chairman of Reliance Jio urged the government to expedite updates to the data centre policy to ensure that essential data remains within India. Moreover, he advocated for incentives for local companies to establish AI and machine learning data centres.

In addition to these points, the transformative potential of AI across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education was recognised, with leaders stressing the importance of rapid adoption to drive productivity and innovation. Furthermore, the chairman of Bharti Airtel underscored the necessity of expanding satellite services to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote areas. He called for funding through the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) to support this expansion.

In light of these discussions, the leaders also addressed the need for direct spectrum allocation methods for satellite broadband services under the new Indian telecom law, enhancing connectivity for urban and rural consumers.

Additionally, they emphasised the importance of securing investments to strengthen the industry’s competitiveness. For instance, the chairman of Vodafone Idea noted the company’s recent ₹18,000 crore fundraising aimed at enhancing service offerings through substantial agreements with network suppliers.

Lastly, the growing relevance of combating digital threats such as spam, fraud, and phishing scams was underscored. In this context, they advocated for collaboration with the government and regulatory bodies to implement innovative solutions and promote public awareness campaigns. These campaigns would educate users on identifying and avoiding scams, ultimately fostering a safer digital environment.

Amazon goes nuclear for data centers

Amazon has taken a bold step into nuclear power technology by signing three agreements to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) to address the growing demand for electricity from its data centres. In collaboration with X-Energy, Amazon will fund a feasibility study for an SMR project near a Northwest Energy site in Washington state, positioning itself as a critical player in the shift toward new energy sources. The deal allows Amazon to purchase power from four SMR modules, with the potential for up to eight additional modules capable of producing enough energy to power more than 770,000 homes.

SMRs are gaining attention due to their promise of lower construction costs, with components built in factories rather than onsite. However, critics argue they may still need to be more expensive to reach the necessary economies of scale. Despite this, nuclear power, which produces no greenhouse gas emissions and provides stable, well-paying jobs, is supported by both political parties in the US. However, US SMRs still need to be built, and concerns remain about radioactive waste and regulatory approvals.

The power demand, driven by the rise of AI and data centres, has prompted tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google to explore nuclear energy solutions. US power consumption from data centres is projected to triple by 2030, requiring nearly 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity. In response, Amazon and X-Energy aim to bring 5 gigawatts of SMR power online by 2039, marking the most significant planned commercial deployment of SMRs in the US.

In addition to the Washington project, Amazon has signed an agreement with Dominion Energy to develop an SMR near its power station in Virginia, where energy demand is expected to surge by 85% over the next 15 years. US Senator Mark Warner praised the move, emphasising that SMR development could finally take off in the US, which has yet to build one.

Why does it matter?

The push for nuclear energy isn’t unique to Amazon. Earlier this week, Google announced a partnership with Kairos Power to deploy an SMR by 2030, while Microsoft has struck a deal to help revive a unit of the Three Mile Island plant. As tech giants increasingly look to nuclear power, the future of energy in the US could hinge on the successful deployment of SMRs.

Intel and AMD unite to tackle Arm’s growing influence

Intel and AMD are teaming up to ensure software compatibility across their x86 chips in response to competition from Arm Holdings. For decades, Intel’s x86 architecture has powered laptops, PCs, and servers, with AMD licensing the technology to make its own competing chips. However, Arm’s market share has grown, partly due to its contracts requiring that all Arm chips support Arm software universally.

In response, Intel and AMD have formed an advisory group that includes major industry players such as Broadcom, Dell Technologies, Lenovo, and Oracle. The group’s objective is to establish consistent and compatible standards for x86 chips by combining expertise from the hardware and software sectors.

At a Lenovo event in Seattle, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger highlighted the flexibility of x86 technology for AI-enabled laptops, stating that the architecture is still strong and poised for growth and innovation as AI advances.