Post by Dosta Tec

Last monday we had the pleasure of taking part in the launch of the Portuguese Chapter of The Association of Energy Engineers | AEE® One of the key discussions focused on the rapid expansion of #DataCentres in Portugal — a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant with the exponential growth of #AI and the demand for computing capacity. The conversation was not about whether we should develop this infrastructure, but how we can do it responsibly. Data Centres represent a new generation of buildings with unique challenges: unprecedented cooling requirements, massive electrical demand, and significant interactions with water resources, land use, energy infrastructure, and local communities. Early integration of sustainability strategies, resource optimisation, and collaboration between stakeholders will be essential to ensure that these projects become part of a resilient energy ecosystem. One of the most interesting reflections came from Portugal’s Secretary of State for Energy, Jean Barroca: “We often ask what energy can do for AI. But what can AI do for energy?” A question that shifts the perspective — from seeing AI only as a growing consumer of resources, to exploring how it can become a tool to optimise, predict, and transform the way we manage energy systems. Congrats to Filipa Newton for a successful start! img. Sines DC Mega Campus