Brazil has enough energy to power even TikTok since the country is growing rapidly in terms of global infrastructure. Thanks to the sun power, wind power, and hydropower, the country is able to generate clean power to meet the electricity demands. Brazil can even meet the demands of Tik Tok which seems to be expanding its footprint. While all seems rosy, the problem supposedly is no longer about how much power Brazil has, but about where in Ceará these power initiatives are being placed.
A renewable powerhouse and the controversy surrounding it
Brazil has found interest in a data center in northeast and keyplayers are considering investments in artificial intelligence and clound computing. Since renewable energy is making up 80% of the national energy matrrix, many companies are opting for low carbon operations.
With so many companies keen, even Tik Tok’s parent company is showing interest by investing billions in the data center supported by wind energy. The project will run on clean power. At the same time, the Anacé Indigenous community in Ceará allegedly state that the land that they are building this data center on has already been occupied . These communities seemingly claim that they were not consulted prior to building. The community complained that a further problem is the water usage. Developers state that more or less 30,000 liters of water will be used per day, but the community benchmarks says more water could be needed.
Industrial policy at loggerheads with indigenous rights
According to Brazil’s government, the country’s ambitions have been clearly outlined. Data centers will offer tax incentives and position the country as an AI-superpower. Nevertheless, the developments underway have resulted in claims regarding intrusion. According to indigenous communities, previous projects like powerplants and now data centers have forced them to relocate.
The Anacé community alledgedly says that building the data center by the river is problematic as the river hold cutural significance and affects cultural continuity in the process. The Anacé community are supposedly demanding the suspension of environmental permits and requires a full consultation before action is taken.
What is the price that Brazil is paying for clean energy?
Data centers leads to jobs, tax revenue, and technological advancements. However, citizens from Brazil as well as Chile, Netherlands, and Arizona are questioning whether the benefits of data ceneters outweigh resource consumption. The risk in Ceará is clear and it does not just deal with water pressure issues and land usage, but the risk is also linked to land conflicts. Not all green projects come without a price to pay in the process. Although rather far away from Brazil, the NEOM project is proving that chasing a clean energy agenda can come with a variety of challenges too. The discovery that this hydrogen city, “ may change weather patterns,” is shocking experts and sparking concern. The concern in Brazil is for the Anacé community since the country is advancing data center developments.
Making sure the right land is chosen for clean projects
Brazil is more than keen to start the data revolution, however, the Anacé community are restrictring further advancements. The challenge is no longer energy sarcity, it is being able to provide respect for the community. Brazil needs to involve these indigenous communities in the conversations about the country’s digital futures. Brazil needs to realize that like the NEOM project, a lack of ongoing discussions before developments result in disruption on Earth.
As Brazil advances forward to an AI-driven future, Tik Tok and other digital platforms have to base their development models on ethical considerations. Moving towards clean energy alone is no longer enough. Understanding land policies, engaging in dialogues, and committing to building in areas where everyone agrees is of utmost importance. Brazil must agree who the power truly belongs too before it moves on with its mission to provide even power for Tik Tok.
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