Despite falling behind on its climate targets, Google is moving forward with plans to establish an AI-focused data center in Saudi Arabia, a nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels. This new AI hub aims to advance research in Arabic language AI models and develop applications tailored specifically to Saudi Arabia, according to an announcement by Google and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Saudi Aramco, the country’s state-owned petroleum company, already integrates AI into its operations. In one example, the application of AI technology at an oil field has reportedly boosted production by 15%.
Google initially pledged in 2020 to halt development of algorithms for oil and gas extraction and later committed in 2021 to reducing its emissions by half by 2030. In response to questions about the Saudi partnership, a Google spokesperson stated that the deal aligns with Google’s current environmental commitments.
Neither Google nor the Saudi Public Investment Fund has disclosed specifics on what "Saudi-specific AI applications" entail, but given Saudi Arabia’s economic dependence on fossil fuels, it is possible that some applications could involve AI-driven enhancements to oil and gas production.
