By Luan Gloria (CFC-GS/UFPA)
In the 21st century, the internet and global connectivity have become vital. There is a growing demand to expand the use of technologies, overcoming barriers. However, this vast network and the large volume of data generate direct environmental impacts. Although these effects may not be perceived by the end consumer, the virtual “world” is intrinsically dependent on resources from the material world in order to exist.
All content available on the internet, as well as the data essential for training Artificial Intelligence (AI), requires storage in physical locations on the planet. It is in this context that large “Data Centers” emerge. These are complex structures that serve as the basis for servers, storage systems, and critical applications. Currently, the main global technology centers are concentrated in the United States and China.
The infrastructure of data centers requires significant consumption of natural resources, such as water for cooling, minerals for their electronic components, and, above all, energy. This energy can come from renewable sources (hydro, wind, and solar) or non-renewable sources (burning fossil fuels, coal, and gases). The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that in 2022, data centers consumed between 1% and 1.3% of all energy produced worldwide. The IEA projects that this consumption will double by 2026, reaching even more significant percentages by the end of this decade.
Unlike technological powers that still rely heavily on fossil fuels, Brazil stands out for having one of the cleanest electricity matrices on the planet. With around 80% of its generation coming from renewable sources, led by hydroelectric power and the rapid expansion of wind and solar energy, the country offers a strategic advantage for the technology sector: “low carbon by design.” In a scenario where Big Tech companies are under global pressure to achieve sustainable goals, the availability of clean and cheap energy positions Brazil as an attractive location for the installation of new data centers.
Climate finance is emerging as an essential catalyst for the creation and expansion of “green” data center infrastructure, aligning technological growth with global sustainability goals. By directing capital to projects that prioritize energy efficiency, the exclusive use of renewable sources (solar, wind, hydro), and the implementation of advanced low-water-consumption cooling systems, climate finance reduces the risk and initial cost of such ventures. This encourages Big Tech companies and cloud operators to invest in strategic locations, such as Brazil, which already offers a naturally clean energy matrix. Such investments not only mitigate the direct environmental impacts of cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence, but also establish a “low carbon by design” standard for the sector, transforming Data Centers into sustainable and competitive assets in the global market.
This competitive advantage allows Brazil not only to meet its own growing demand, but also to become an exporter of sustainability to the global market by integrating fiber optic infrastructure with abundant natural resources, the country has the potential to attract international investments that seek to mitigate the environmental damage caused by Artificial Intelligence training. Thus, the Brazilian energy matrix is no longer just a matter of national security, but has become the structural basis of a digital economy that respects the planet’s thermodynamic limits.
The material challenges in maintaining data centers are significant, especially considering that the global players that dominate the cloud storage and AI market, mostly based in the United States, already face problems of natural resource scarcity in their main data center hubs. A striking example is the Nevada desert in the US. The installation of large Big Tech data centers (which support the cloud and AI market) raises concerns among neighboring populations, as the intensive use of groundwater by these facilities exacerbates the water shortages already historically faced by these communities at certain times of the year.
It is undeniable that minimal participation at the most basic technological level is a requirement of the computerized world so that individuals are not marginalized. However, it is essential to pay attention to the cost of this virtual universe, since its apparent immateriality hides a physical infrastructure that intensively demands energy, water, and natural resources. Therefore, the analysis of technological advancement should not be restricted to the perspective of innovation and efficiency; it must also consider its environmental and social impacts. It is thus essential to adopt digital development models that promote the reconciliation of inclusion, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.
References
JORNAL NACIONAL. Inteligência artificial: tecnologia demanda geração colossal de energia elétrica; entenda. G1, 24 jan. 2025. Disponível em: https://g1.globo.com/jornal-nacional/noticia/2025/01/24/inteligencia-artificial-tecnologia-demanda-geracao-colossal-de-energia-eletrica-entenda.ghtml. Acesso em: 02 dez. 2025.
BOOM dos data centers em Nevada gera preocupações sobre impactos ambientais. MIT Technology Review Brasil, [S. l.], 15 ago. 2024. Disponível em: https://mittechreview.com.br/boom-data-centers-nevada-impactos-ambientais/. Acesso em: 02 dez. 2025.
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE UBERLÂNDIA (UFU). Cientistas alertam: data centers podem causar crise de água e energia. Uberlândia, 2025. Disponível em: <https://comunica.ufu.br/noticias/2025/09/cientistas-alertam-data-centers-podem-causar-crise-de-agua-e-energia>. Acesso em: 02 dez. 2025.
