DOE drafting circular on energizing data centers amid Pax Silica concerns

The Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday it is already drafting a circular on how to power up data centers amid the backlash on the controversial Pax Silica Industrial Hub in New Clark City, Tarlac.

"Right now, we are drafting actually a circular in order for us to formulate some of the like kung anong gagawin para maglagay ng power sa isang data center or sa hub," said DOE Secretary Sharon Garin in a virtual presser.

(Right now, we are actually drafting a circular in order for us to formulate some of the procedures like what needs to be done to install power for a data center or a hub.)

"Whether 50 megawatts or 100 megawatts or 5,000 megawatts, puwede tayong mag-supply niyan. But we just need to make sure na ang anything we do to power a data center or a hub will not put the rest of the country at a disadvantage. Para may proteksyon ang mga consumers natin dito," she added.

(Whether 50 megawatts or 100 megawatts or 5,000 megawatts, we can supply that. But we just need to make sure that anything we do to power a data center or a hub will not put the rest of the country at a disadvantage. So that our consumers here have protection.)

Garin's statement comes just a day after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said in his fifth State of the Nation Address that Pax Silica "will bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness, and revitalize our economy."

Pax Silica is the US Department of State's flagship initiative on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, aimed at advancing a new economic security framework among allies and trusted partners.

As part of the initiative, Manila and Washington are working to establish a 4,000-acre industrial hub that is envisioned as a new model for AI-focused investment within the Luzon Economic Corridor.

Progressive and environmental groups have raised concerns over its potential environmental and social impacts.

Much like electronic devices that heat up during prolonged use, thousands of high-performance computers operating in data centers generate significant heat, requiring large-scale cooling systems.

Some AI facilities abroad reportedly consume up to 5 million gallons (about 18.9 million liters) of water for cooling and other operations, raising questions about how such facilities could affect local water resources.

Meanwhile, DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra said power generators can supply 20 years of electricity if locators or tenants in the hub will stay there for that long.

"At the end of the day, the bottomline is that we need to be able to secure the commitment of these locators in Pax Silica. Because any generator, to put up a plant, will need 20 years to recover the cost of their investment," she said.

"If we can have those locators promise that they will be there for 20 years, we are sure that we can find the generators who will also supply the electricity to Pax Silica." — VDV, GMA News