China goes rural with data centres in quest to power AI
CHINA: In China’s hilly Guizhou province, a cluster of European-style buildings complete with a clock tower and multi-arched bridge emits a low, permanent hum – a clue to its unexpected identity as tech giant Huawei’s largest data centre.
In China's mountainous Guizhou province, a cluster of European-style buildings with a clock tower and multi-arched bridge houses Huawei's largest data centre. This unique, town-like complex is part of a government strategy to establish digital infrastructure for AI development in the country's less populated, rural west, particularly in southwestern provinces like Guizhou.
The construction of dozens of data centres in the region is ongoing as China aims to nearly double its data centre capacity within the next five years, driven by a tech race with the United States and the need to avoid a computing crunch that could hinder AI expansion.
The projects have transformed landscapes, such as Guian New Area, where the Huawei data centre and others are located. What was once a barren mountain is now more convenient for transportation, trade has increased, and business opportunities have emerged. Local shopkeeper Shu Peihua noted this change, mentioning the establishment of two universities and the improvement of the main road due to the centres, which have significantly boosted the area's economy.
Despite the positive changes, some question the overall economic gains from hosting these data centres. While data centres don't necessarily create a large spillover effect on local jobs, they do drive heavy investment in land and equipment. However, the demand for data processing capacity as countries strive for technological supremacy will continue, as Chinese policy documents emphasize the correlation between computing power and national power.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
