Google announced a new AI-focused data center in Saudi Arabia, a move that has sparked widespread doubts about its climate commitment. This data center will support the research of Arabic-language artificial intelligence models and "Saudi-specific artificial intelligence applications", and Saudi Arabia, as the world's major oil producer, has obvious conflicts with Google's claimed climate goals. Despite Google's claim that the new agreement is in line with its existing commitments, the move still faces enormous pressure from environmental organizations and the public.
Google's announcement that it will build a new AI-focused data center in Saudi Arabia has raised questions about its climate goals. Although Google said in 2020 it would stop developing oil and gas production algorithms and promised to reduce emissions in 2021, the company still decided to build a new data center in Saudi Arabia, which relies on fossil fuels.
The new AI center will support research on Arabic-language AI models and “Saudi-specific AI applications.” State-owned oil company Aramco said it currently uses artificial intelligence throughout its operations. In an oil field, the technology has helped to increase production by 15%.
Neither Google nor the Saudi Public Investment Fund disclosed the specific content of "Saudi exclusive artificial intelligence applications". But given the core role of fossil fuels in the Saudi economy, AI algorithms run by data centers may be applied to oil and gas production.
A Google spokesman said the new agreement "compliant" with its existing commitments, but that raised questions about its climate goals. Whether Google's decision will affect its climate goals remains to be seen.
Google's behavior of setting up AI data centers in Saudi Arabia highlights the complex choices between tech companies' pursuit of business interests and fulfilling climate responsibilities. Its subsequent development and impact deserve continuous attention, which will have a profound impact on the future development strategy of technology companies.