The Resilient ICT-Power Networks for Sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Urban Infrastructure

Abstract

The growth of data centers and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) depend on the availability of electrical power, with urban infrastructure as the primary source. This study examines the targeted infrastructure of AI, information and communication technology (ICT), energy, and urban settings, anticipating a surge in energy demand in the coming decades. Its goal is to identify policy gaps and recommend strategic elements, approaches, and standards for developing future-proof AI. The study accomplishes these objectives by (i) comparing local and international practices, (ii) analyzing the interdependence of power for AI, ICT, and urban development, and (iii) proposing comprehensive measures. The article identifies gaps in digital, urban, and energy policy documents, particularly considering the AI perspective in Ukraine. The complexity of the approach and key findings represent a novelty of this paper. They tackle economic forecasts and explore AI’s role in the energy balance, energy mix, supply chain, and decentralization throughout the country, regions, and cities. The research yielded results by investigating resilient ICT power networks that support AI, ICT, and urban infrastructure. The author categorizes key findings into three groups: policies compared globally; long-term insights derived from interdisciplinary, qualitative, and descriptive analyses of the interdependence between AI and ICT power networks, as well as urban and AI infrastructure; and short-term aspects relating to ICT-energy networks, energy efficiency, energy consumption for urban connectivity and AI, innovative financial mechanisms, and regulations, including physical-cyber and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. The paper acknowledges several limitations and suggests areas for future research.