Technology News

NTIA and DOE Request Public Feedback on Strengthening Data Center Growth, Security, and Resilience

08 September 2024

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Zaker Adham

Summary

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE) are seeking public input on improving the growth, resilience, and security of data centers in the United States. As the demand for computing power surges due to advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data centers are becoming increasingly essential. This Request for Comment (RFC) aims to gather insights on how the U.S. government can support data center development while ensuring supply chain resilience and data security.

Published in the Federal Register, the RFC is part of DOE's mission to tackle energy challenges through technological innovation. Data centers, known for their significant energy consumption, are central to this discussion. The DOE hopes to leverage the feedback to create strategies that address energy needs while supporting sustainable growth in the sector.

NTIA will use this public engagement, alongside other outreach efforts, to compile a report outlining economic, security, and policy recommendations to promote the safe and sustainable expansion of data centers. Interested parties must submit their comments by November 4, 2024.

The Growing Importance of Data Centers

With AI and other emerging technologies driving higher demand for computing infrastructure, data centers play a pivotal role. These facilities not only power critical technologies but also enable secure storage, data processing, and economic growth. U.S. data centers are forecasted to grow by 9% annually through 2030, primarily due to hyperscale operators. However, this growth comes with challenges related to energy use, market development, and supply chain risks.

Stephanie Weiner, NTIA Chief Counsel, highlighted that ensuring resilient supply chains, reliable power, and skilled labor are key factors for the continued growth of the data center industry. In 2022, U.S. data centers consumed over 4% of the nation’s electricity, a number expected to rise to 9% by 2030. This increasing demand is pushing developers to explore innovative solutions such as on-site energy generation and enhanced power grid infrastructure.

Addressing Security and Supply Chain Challenges

The federal agencies are also focused on data center security and operational efficiency. The RFC calls for insights on how operators can mitigate supply chain risks and ensure they have access to trusted IT and operational technology (OT) components. These components, such as semiconductors, networking equipment, and fiber optics, are critical to running modern data centers, and supply shortages or vulnerabilities could disrupt operations.

Moreover, the agencies seek feedback on best practices for supply chain risk management, auditing processes for equipment, and how operators verify the reliability of their suppliers. Cybersecurity and physical security are also of concern, particularly when it comes to protecting infrastructure from counterfeit or untrusted components.

Ensuring Access to Power and Modernization

Access to power is another critical challenge facing data center operators. The agencies want to hear about the innovative solutions being implemented to ensure a stable power supply. Additionally, they are interested in the societal impacts of data center expansion, both positive and negative, and how modernization efforts can support community well-being and environmental sustainability.

This RFC is part of a larger effort by the U.S. government to strengthen its technological infrastructure. In July, the administration introduced the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology, outlining recommendations for ensuring a secure, resilient data center ecosystem.