Defending Data Centres: A Progressive Case for AI Infrastructure Economics
david_stillwell · x · 2026-08-04
The article makes a progressive case for building AI data centres, arguing that fears are overblown and economics misunderstood.
- Energy Consumption: Even the most intensive AI query (75,000 words) uses 60% less energy than boiling a kettle; average queries use 99.7% less.
- Infrastructure: While not creating many direct jobs, data centres are essential infrastructure supporting other sectors.
- National Security: Building domestic centres prevents sensitive personal data and national security records from going abroad.
The piece also touches on rising anti-AI sentiment and physical protests, calling for a rational view of compute expansion.
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