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Robin Ford's avatar

David. Thanks so much writing about these issues and for writing so clearly. This is another 'must read'.

Taking advantage of the old saw that no question is stupid, on data centres, I start from the point that (as a general rule) builders should pay full costs (construction, pollution, carbon emissions, etc etc), then I move to the exceptions (eg, national security, strategic imperatives). The balancing exercise is tough and there is often no one 'right' answer, although I wish there was more transparency and engagement about these difficult exercises by the powers that be.

But there is one input that is rarely answered in a way that I find fully satisfactory. Why must we have huge data centres? What about smaller ones here and there? What about relying on allies to share the load? Why not require builders to provide solutions on the electricity and water load?

The above is truncated, but if you have the time/interest or could find a guest poster or a link to a good opinion piece, I suggest that this subject could use some amplification. I recognize that each situation will to some extent vary, but the UK seems a good place to start.

So sorry the Digital Forge event is not hybrid!

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