Hamilton Data Centre: A Chance to Improve, Says CEO

The leader of a company from Ontario that has proposed a data centre in Hamilton believes that the best way to tackle the environmental concerns surrounding these facilities is not to halt their construction but to improve how they are built.

“If we do it right, I think it’s a fantastic chance for Hamilton,” Milfred Hammerbacher, CEO of s2e Technologies, shared with CBC Hamilton on Tuesday.

Back in December, Mc Master University revealed it was considering partnering with the St. Jacobs, Ont., firm to transform the old building at 44 Frid St., into “an innovation hub with a modern data centre.”

Mc Master Innovation Park purchased the building in 2020. The university indicated that the initiative “could cater to growing research and business computing demands, including artificial intelligence.”

The rise of AI has heightened the need for physical spaces that manage and process data and software. Simultaneously, protests against such developments have surged nationwide – including in Hamilton – fueled by worries about land use, energy consumption, and water resources these facilities require.

A week after hundreds protested against a proposed data centre on Hamilton’s waterfront, Coun. Nrinder Nann (Ward 3) called for a pause on new developments until local guidelines can be established. A motion regarding this issue is set to be discussed at the city’s planning committee on June 16.

Hammerbacher said he’s been keeping an eye on the protests in Hamilton and understands people’s concerns. “I could have easily been one of those people protesting,” he admitted.

S2e originally began as a solar energy firm, Hammerbacher noted, and he has always been passionate about environmental issues.

“Forty years of hard work could go down the drain if we don’t approach building these data centres wisely,” Hammerbacher stated while referring to advancements in clean energy. “We got into this because we believed there had to be a better way. I don’t see us as your typical data centre company.”

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National group still going ahead with Hamilton data centre proposal

The organization behind a proposed data centre for Hamilton’s waterfront maintains that its application to the federal government is progressing. The Digital Research Alliance of Canada aims to establish and operate a “National AI Compute Facility” on previously industrial land owned by Slate Asset Management. Recently, Slate attempted to separate part of that land for larger project development but faced denial following widespread protests against the potential data centre.

A spokesperson from Mc Master University told CBC Hamilton Thursday that they won’t disclose any details about the proposal until completing their “due-diligence” phase with s2e by June 30.

In December’s announcement, Mc Master highlighted that “no final decisions have been made,” emphasizing they would evaluate community needs along with environmental regulations before crafting an official proposal.

It mentioned that any final decision would need approval from the university’s board of governors.

Hammerbacher informed CBC Hamilton that his team had met with Mc Master researchers regarding their computing requirements and consulted Mc Master Innovation Park about hosting space within the facility while also engaging nearby businesses.

On June 4, hundreds showed up at Hamilton city hall protesting against another separate data centre proposal unrelated to s2e’s plan. (Justin Chandler/CBC)

S2e CEO believes smart design can ease environmental worries

Overall, Hammerbacher expressed confidence that s2e could implement several technologies aimed at reducing environmental effects from a Frid Street data centre.

For instance, he mentioned using a closed-loop glycol cooling system which would help minimize water usage.

As for energy supply, he said they might combine virtual power purchases from off-site solar farms while storing energy during off-peak times to lessen reliance on local power grids. For backup power sources, he noted they’re exploring fuel cells instead of traditional carbon-emitting natural gas generators.

The company is also investigating ways to capture waste heat generated by a data centre and utilize it for powering heat pumps nearby.

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The federal government aims to establish more data centres across Canada which will enhance computing power and boost AI usage; however, they bring significant concerns along with them. Shion Guha is a computer science professor at the University of Toronto who provides insight into both sides of building AI-focused facilities.

Ian Borsuk from Environment Hamilton expressed hopes that s2e along with other prospective developers genuinely prioritize environmental responsibility but suggested putting their commitments into writing would be beneficial.
Please note private organizations as well as government bodies often claim they’ll enact improvements but history shows otherwise,” he told CBC Hamilton Sunday. “We’ve heard promises made before without follow-through.”

Borsuk voiced support for Nann’s proposal seeking local regulations concerning future development projects related specifically towards ensuring community benefits agreements alongside compliance focused upon water conservation methods or energy efficiency standards applicable locally; without rules governing actions taken here companies may prioritize profits over what’s best suited toward benefiting local residents instead!....

“Given rapid advancements happening within this sector right now it’s entirely reasonable-community members wanting reassurance offered through structured frameworks outlining acceptable practices!”...

If approved, data center set-up might take around eighteen months

If everything goes smoothly, Hammerbacher expressed excitement about collaborating closely together alongside university partners involved throughout this high-profile undertaking saying there exists significant opportunities available geared towards job creation plus supporting vital biomedical studies ongoing today!..

“AI can seem intimidating,” acknowledged Hammerbacher yet questioned “What other option do we have? If overnight Canadian authorities decided outlawing all forms pertaining strictly towards AI-centered initiatives wouldn’t halt underlying problems existing presently?”..

Citing formation advisory committee examining artificial intelligence implementation strategies established under auspices working specifically via Mc Masters own institution serves essential purpose deemed quite healthy overall too!.

If received positive feedback comes summer then anticipate operations commencing inside former Spectator building possibly achieving operational status anywhere between twelve-eighteen months later according him!.

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