Exclusive: Data center firm inks carbon removal deal as AI demand surges

NTT Data is buying carbon removal credits from startup Climeworks to help meet its climate goals.

Exclusive: Data center firm inks carbon removal deal as AI demand surges

TL;DR

  • NTT Data, a major data center operator, has agreed to buy carbon removal credits from Climeworks.
  • The deal aims to help NTT Data meet its climate goals amidst rising energy demands from AI.
  • This is the first agreement between Climeworks and a major AI infrastructure company.
  • The partnership could signal a growing trend within the AI industry to use carbon removal as an offset.
  • NTT Data aims to zero out emissions tied directly to its data centers by 2030 and offset additional emissions by 2040.
  • Climeworks uses technology to capture carbon dioxide from ambient air and offers both engineered and nature-based carbon removal credits.
  • Industry leaders note that the rapid pace of AI development currently leaves little room for climate considerations.