With the recent announcement of a data centre playbook in Ontario and ongoing discussions about AI data centre development, a professor from Waterloo clarifies that not all data centres are created equal, but we interact with them daily.
Martin Karsten, a computer science professor at the University of Waterloo, noted that the key distinction between traditional and AI data centres lies in the types of computers they utilize.
“For these computers, you kind of want to distinguish between more traditional computing work, which has a lot to do with storing information, processing information, retrieving information in a deterministic type [of way],” Karsten said.
“So, there’s well-defined control flows, complex control flows in how we move information around and make it available and useful.”
However, Karsten explained that this new wave of computing takes a different approach where people have discovered ways to handle massive amounts of data.
“The control flow is a lot simpler, but the actual computations are massive,” he said.
“So it’s really between sort of traditional processors and this new form of processors that really distinguishes the different types of workloads, and then those also distinguish the way the data centre operates.”
WATCH | University of Waterloo explains data centres:
What are data centres and why do we need them?
The Ontario government introduced its data centre playbook last week. Still, worries about the environmental impact-mainly energy use and water consumption-are significant. Martin Karsten from the University of Waterloo described data centres as an “facet of modern life.” He spoke with CBC K-W’s John Dalusong about how these facilities operate.
‘Massive’ energy consumption
Karsten mentioned that energy usage is likely one of the easiest factors to differentiate traditional from AI data centres.
“A traditional data centre might consume a few single-digit [or] double-digit megawatts of electricity … but I guess what you’re seeing from the big hyperscalers, especially in the U. S., these sort of massive installations that they’re planning, these are … bigger – we’re approaching gigawatts of energy consumption.
“Due to the law of physics, you can’t just consume that energy without also creating a larger footprint, of course,” added Karsten.
![]()
Hundreds gathered outside Hamilton’s city hall ahead of a Committee of Adjustment meeting to share their thoughts on a potential AI data centre in Hamilton. (Justin Chandler/CBC)
While emphasizing that energy consumption alone is “massive,” Karsten pointed out there’s also water needed for cooling these setups which adds extra energy costs.
The water used for cooling gets returned to local supplies or worse-it evaporates,” he said.
Nonetheless, Karsten indicated most modern data centres don’t operate this way nor require excessive water for cooling.
“The key piece here is closed-loop cooling where water or some other liquid circulates heat between servers and cooling units. So in that sense you’re not really using water,” he said.
Currently there are only five hyperscale data centres operating in Canada; however according to a recent York University study 96 more facilities have been proposed or are under construction across Canada.
Cities consider moratoriums on new facilities
Cities throughout Ontario have been discussing possible moratoriums on new data centres-with Oakville voting for a one-year pause on Aug.11-and Mississauga set to decide on its own moratorium this September.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner has called for halting any further developments regarding new facilities.”
Ilham Abdulkadir from Wellington Water Watchers joined Schreiner’s call stating that infrastructure behind such buildings requires “land” along with “energy” while having an “enormous thirst for water.”
In Toronto over 5 thousand residents signed petitions voicing their concerns regarding upcoming projects within their neighborhoods.”
Ontario reveals updated framework for operations
This past week Premier Doug Ford announced Ontario’s revised framework explaining it will ensure Canadian citizens’ private information remains within national borders.”
“Through our new playbook we aim towards building tomorrow’s economy generating billions worth economic growth alongside increased taxes leading towards thousands jobs creation ensuring operators adhere rate rules,” Ford stated during announcement held Guelph.”
Additionally Premier highlighted framework intends guarantee covering totality electricity expenses associated projects encouraging establishments initiate own power generation sources while establishing separate pricing category applying larger-scale centers higher than existing industrial rates. No additional costs passed onto hardworking families Ontarians”, he added.”,
![]()
This Thursday Doug Ford discussed newly established provincial guidelines confirming protections Canadians’ personal digital assets.(CBC)
An integral part everyone’s lives: Karsten
Meanwhile professor emphasized reliance communities possess upon functioning systems including telecommunications instances demonstrating usefulness across several industries facilitated through centralized locations known primarily operating units referred popularly today known colloquially simply just called “data centers.””
,””Oh absolutely-same goes true social media platforms video conferencing anything related internet.”,”“Healthcare providers leverage capabilities enhance storage capacity housing critical patient records advanced research endeavors utilizing artificial intelligence methods detecting illnesses such cancer screenings emergency services rely accessing vital updates emergencies situations too”, he elaborated.“Aspects permeate daily existence profoundly challenging identify any activity lacking connection somewhere even indirectly linking back into realm concerning central facility infrastructures overall society operates”, concluded Professor Martin.
Source link
