Google is opening an AI hub in oil-rich Saudi Arabia | TechCrunch
Nov 05, 2024 - techcrunch.com
Google is planning to build a new AI-focused data center in Saudi Arabia, despite its previous commitments to reducing its carbon footprint. The new hub will support research into Arab language AI models and "Saudi-specific AI applications," according to an announcement from the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Google. The state-owned petroleum company, Aramco, already uses AI in its operations, and it's speculated that the AI algorithms from the new data center could be used in oil and gas production.
In 2020, Google stated it would stop developing algorithms for oil and gas production and in 2021, it pledged to halve its emissions by the end of the decade. However, this new deal seems to contradict these commitments. Neither Google nor the Saudi Public Investment Fund have provided details on what "Saudi-specific AI applications" might entail.
Key takeaways:
Google is building a new AI-focused datacenter in Saudi Arabia, a country heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
The new AI hub will support research into Arab language AI models and 'Saudi-specific AI applications.'
State-owned petroleum company, Aramco, currently uses AI throughout its operations, boosting production by 15% in one oil field.
Despite Google's commitment to cut its emissions in half by the end of the decade, the new deal aligns with its existing pledge, according to a Google spokesperson.
