Core Insights - The article discusses the ongoing digital transformation driven by the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and the expansion of cloud computing, highlighting the paradox that digital assets heavily rely on physical resources, particularly energy-intensive data centers [1][2] - In North America, data centers' total energy consumption has surpassed 20 GW, with significant new capacity in the planning stages, making site selection a critical factor for data center deployment [1] - In China, the electricity consumption of data centers is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 20% from 2024 to 2030, significantly outpacing the overall electricity consumption growth [1] Data Center Demand and Infrastructure - Existing data centers struggle to meet current demands due to the fundamental changes in infrastructure requirements driven by AI, necessitating unprecedented power density and specialized cooling solutions [2][3] - The report emphasizes the importance of strategically selecting locations for new AI data centers, as existing facilities may require significant upgrades to support AI workloads [2][3] AI Data Center Site Selection - The "AI Data Center Site Attractiveness Index" evaluates potential sites for new AI data centers across 25 core markets in North America, providing a comprehensive framework for site selection [2][7] - The assessment includes 18 different parameters categorized into six key factors: power infrastructure and cooling needs, land resources, network connectivity, labor market, business environment, and climate and resources [7][10] Emerging Markets vs. Mature Markets - Emerging markets such as Austin/San Antonio, Iowa, and Montreal are becoming leading choices for new AI data centers due to their robust power infrastructure and ample land resources, contrasting with traditional data center hubs facing increasing constraints [12][15] - The report indicates a clear differentiation between mature markets with severe limitations and emerging locations with reliable infrastructure and growth potential [12][15] Challenges in Mature Markets - Mature markets like Virginia and Silicon Valley face significant challenges, including power supply limitations and high land costs, which hinder large-scale AI data center expansions [19][20][21] - The article notes that operators are increasingly seeking alternative sites due to these constraints, with many regions actively competing for data center investments through incentives and infrastructure improvements [25] Global Trends in Data Center Development - Outside North America, regions such as Saudi Arabia, France, and Malaysia are emerging as key players in data center development, driven by energy availability, government incentives, and strategic positioning [22] - In China, the rapid growth of computing infrastructure is evident, with a projected doubling of intelligent computing capacity by 2025, indicating a shift towards emerging hubs for AI data centers [23]