Tracking Environmental Impact of AI Usage
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim’s inquiry into the Government’s tracking of the environmental impact of artificial intelligence and data centres against national targets like the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo stated that Singapore manages data centre growth through a calibrated approach that respects resource constraints and environmental commitments. The Government monitors usage via power and water usage effectiveness metrics, which are evaluated during the competitive Call for Application process for new capacity. Applicants are expected to demonstrate best-in-class efficiency, ensuring that digital infrastructure development remains sustainable and aligned with long-term goals. Additionally, the upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act is being developed to further uplift the energy efficiency and overall sustainability standards of data centres.
Transcript
17 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government tracks the environmental impact of artificial intelligence usage, including data centre energy consumption and emissions; (b) if so, what methodologies are used and findings obtained; and (c) whether such impacts have been assessed against Singapore's long-term environmental targets, including the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Mrs Josephine Teo: This question has been addressed in a related Parliamentary Question filed by Ms Elysa Chen at the 3 March Parliament sitting. [Please refer to "Limits on Singapore's Total Data Centre Capacity", Official Report, 3 March 2026, Vol 96, Issue 23, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
While Singapore does not have a pre-determined upper limit to data centre (DC) capacity, we work within the envelope of our resource constraints and long-term environmental commitments. Therefore, we adopt a calibrated approach to growing the sector. We monitor the resource footprint of DCs using internationally recognised metrics, like power and water usage effectiveness.
These metrics are used in the assessment of applicants for new DC capacity, which is primarily allocated through the competitive Call for Application mechanism. We expect applicants to be best-in-class for resource efficiency.
The upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act aims to uplift the energy efficiency and overall sustainability of DCs. We will share more details when ready.