AI unleashed: Pioneering a sustainable revolution in the data center

One of Micron Ventures’ portfolio companies, Atlas AI represents a remarkable technology, showcasing the profound influence of AI on data, data centers and global communities.

Atlas AI is a prime example of how AI is reshaping our world, demonstrating its extensive influence on technology, business, society and even the global climate. As we scale AI for worldwide application, it's crucial to consider its far-reaching effects, both beneficial and challenging.

The current compute infrastructure required for large-scale AI workloads may not be viable in the long or even short term. At Micron, we recognize this challenge and are proactively addressing it.
 

Data centers running AI require more energy

The ever-growing data demands of AI pose a hidden challenge — the environmental impact of data centers struggling to keep pace with this digital deluge. The world’s data centers already have insatiable appetites for energy, requiring more energy generation on the heels of decades of global efforts to reduce and clean the global fleet of power plants.

AI’s push on processing power limits is leading to a steady rise in specialized AI data centers. This growth, while promising, underscores the need for balance. We must weigh enhanced processing capabilities against environmental implications. It’s about finding harmony between technological progress and the wellbeing of our planet.

Sustainability isn't just a checkbox on Micron’s agenda. We're driven by a conviction that a greener future for the semiconductor industry is not just possible — it’s imperative.
 

We’re leading the way to shape our future

In the quest for a sustainable future, unity is key. We’re already building strong alliances with industry leaders, suppliers and customers worldwide. Collectively, we’re reimagining the environmental impact of manufacturing in the face of growing semiconductor demand. It’s a joint endeavor, led by the industry’s brightest minds.

Micron team members are tackling this challenge from several directions:

• Efficiency enablers: We're obsessed with slashing energy consumption within memory and storage in data centers. We're not just optimizing infrastructure; we're also pioneering energy-efficient computer systems that redefine the boundaries of what's possible with device- and system-level innovations that sip energy instead of guzzling it.
• Chip architects: By driving improvements in chip production and performance, we're directly contributing to lower energy use. Less energy used translates to a healthier planet, cleaner skies and a sustainable future.
• Investors in tomorrow: We firmly believe that fostering innovation is the key to unlocking long-term sustainability. Micron Ventures, our investment arm, is on the front lines. We actively seek out and invest in groundbreaking startups with the potential to decarbonize not just our operations but also the entire industry.

We put our money — and expertise — where our mouth is

Take Aqua Membranes, a clean-tech startup we proudly support. This company is revolutionizing water filtration systems with 3D-printed technology that enhances flow patterns and slashes energy consumption in industrial applications, including our own semiconductor manufacturing. Micron has successfully tested Aqua Membranes’ technology in an industrial setting, demonstrating significant energy savings for industrial water treatment. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and a terrific example of how innovation can address real-world challenges.

We’re also invested in two leading interconnect startups — Eliyan and Avicena — reinventing how semiconductor chips connect and send information among themselves. Connectivity and communication are key to efficiently scaling the large language models that power generative AI. 

Perhaps our boldest investment — and collaboration — is with Multiscale Technologies. Together, we’re exploring how AI can be used to redefine the semiconductor manufacturing process. Part of that effort is finding new opportunities to optimize process efficiencies that can scale to real-world mass production.

Beyond reducing energy consumption. Micron co-hosts the Startups for Semiconductor Sustainability pitch event with SEMI, a force for positive change in the electronics manufacturing world. This event introduces corporate venture capital and sustainability peers across the ecosystem to brilliant startups that are tackling challenges in energy efficiency, water use and circularity within semiconductor manufacturing. It's a breeding ground for innovation and an environment where the next generation of sustainability solutions can take root, be picked up by companies, and spread across the industry.

We’re focusing on a circular future

Our vision extends beyond just lowering energy consumption. We're building a circular economy for semiconductors where maximizing the lifespan of existing hardware is the new challenge. This approach means empowering people to keep their devices running longer through repairs and upgrades. Imagine a world where landfills overflow not with discarded electronics, but with vibrant ecosystems teeming with life.

What’s more, many data centers are taking it to another level with innovative participation in the circular economy.¹

 - Microsoft has established three "circular centers” to help it reach its goal of reusing 90% of its cloud computing hardware assets by 2025.

 - Amazon has built reverse logistics hubs to accept hardware from nearby data centers. The company either refurbishes the equipment or reuses its components. 

 - Google has established goals for zero waste, which seven of its 23 data centers have met by reusing products and materials. This reuse has kept 90% or more of products out of landfills.

Let’s build a greener future for AI, together

Micron's Crucial brand is also making waves through an innovative partnership with iFixit, a leading online repair resource. We're offering upgrade kits and repair guides that feature Crucial SSDs, and these products empower people to breathe new life into their computers and other electronic devices. This initiative isn't just about convenience: It's also about reducing e-waste, greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. These reductions help close the loop, minimizing our environmental footprint and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Micron believes in open communication and unwavering transparency in our sustainability efforts. We encourage you to download and dive into our 2024 sustainability report, where you'll find a comprehensive roadmap for the greener future we’re helping to build.

AI’s path forward begins here

The future of data centers isn't predetermined. By prioritizing energy efficiency, fostering groundbreaking innovation and embracing a circular economy, we can build a future where the power of AI doesn't come at the cost of our environment. But this isn't just our fight. It's a call for the brightest minds, the most passionate innovators and the everyday citizens who share our vision of a sustainable future.

Let's make the AI boom an environmental triumph, a testament to our ability to solve the challenges we create. This future is waiting — let’s build it together!