MENA must treat AI data centres as key loads

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has called for countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to classify artificial intelligence (AI) data centres as “critical dynamic loads” and overhaul energy planning, warning that rising electricity demand, water scarcity and extreme heat could threaten the region’s ambitions to become a global hub for AI infrastructure.

In its report, the WEF said the region’s electricity capacity needs to increase by 40 per cent by 2030, but current projections indicate growth of only 15 per cent, raising concerns about the ability of power systems to support the rapid expansion of energy-intensive AI facilities.

“The question is no longer simply whether to expand digital infrastructure but how to do so efficiently, sustainably and resiliently at scale,” the report said.

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