Welcome to The Offset! Delivered once a month via email and through the Tech in Asia website, this free newsletter breaks down the biggest stories and trends in greentech. Get it in your email inbox by registering here.
Hi there,
For almost two years, AI has been in the headlines just about every week.
What some don’t know is that this increased interest has led to a boom in investments in energy-sucking data centers. As generative AI requires massive amounts of computing power, data centers are urgently needed to support the demand.
This week’s Deep Read reveals that these data centers – and the huge amounts of energy they consume – could destabilize our grid systems. Eventually, this may even hurt global climate goals.
— Elyssa
THE BIG STORIES
1️⃣ Mapping the EV startups accelerating adoption in Asia
Photo credit: Selex Motors
Our story revealed that the most funded EV startups in the region – if we don’t take China into account – are the ones building electric two-wheelers. Startups operating the infrastructure that can help accelerate EV adoption, such as charging stations and ride-sharing platforms, are also in abundance in the region.
2️⃣ Policy flip-flops, overcapacity dull Indonesia’s ambitious solar energy goals
Indonesia wants to have net-zero emissions by 2060. However, recent changes in the regulations for rooftop solar installations have come as a setback to its renewable energy adoption plan. This has affected solar energy players and has worried investors, as the country is caught between supporting its state-owned energy company and trying to meet its renewable energy targets.
DEEP READ
AI is already wreaking havoc on global power systems
Image credit: Timmy Loen
When Big Tech players visited Southeast Asia in the first half of the year, they came with investment pledges. Those came in the form of commitments to build data centers in places like Indonesia and Malaysia.
TRENDING NEWS
STARTUP WATCH
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
