As demand for computing power grows, propelled by the rapid march of AI technology, companies are investing billions of dollars in associated infrastructure.
Globally, according to an April report from professional services firm McKinsey & Company, by 2030 data centers equipped to handle AI processing loads are projected to require US$5.2tn in capital expenditure, while those powering traditional IT applications are projected to require US$1.5tn in outlay.
Chile is an investment destination, with today’s data center capacity of around 200MW expected to multiply over the coming years.
Among the companies in the vanguard is Amazon, which recently announced US$4bn in cloud infrastructure investment in Chile.
On the supplier and provider front, France’s Schneider Electric sees the sector as an important business seam to mine.
To find out more, BNamericas spoke to Schneider Electric cloud and service provider leader for Spanish-speaking countries, Luis Santamaría, who is based in Chile.
BNamericas: In the coming years, how important could the data center segment become for Schneider?
Santamaría: The data center segment is one of our strategic pillars and will continue to be so in the years ahead. This is due to the growing demand for data storage and processing, which makes them a key element for digital transformation.
Additionally, Latin America is experiencing a crucial moment of transformation and growth. As a company, we project that in 2025 the region’s data center infrastructure will reach US$7bn, driven by increasing cloud adoption, digitization, and, in the near future, the expansion of AI. This presents significant opportunities for the expansion of our infrastructure solutions, especially those related to energy.
BNamericas: Is there an estimate of when we might see an acceleration in the development and construction of data centers here in Chile?
Santamaría: These technologies are essential for the sector’s development in Chile, where over 30 data center projects have been identified for the coming years. This acceleration is already underway, driven by the sustained growth in demand for digital services, increasing cloud adoption, digitization, and soon, the expansion of AI in the region.
Furthermore, according to research conducted by [real estate technology solutions firm] JLL, the coming years will be dynamic for the sector, especially in Brazil, Chile and Colombia – the main hubs in the region. The current inventory across these three countries stands at 972MW and is expected to grow 67% in the coming years, propelled by the use of new technologies such as AI and cloud services.
BNamericas: Where do you see opportunities for the company? That is, what kind of solutions could you offer?
Santamaría: In the data center segment, we have a robust portfolio of solutions, from physical and digital infrastructure to consulting and management services.
Energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact are key aspects in the development of these systems. Implementing solutions that optimize resource use and promote the adoption of renewable energy is essential for ensuring a more sustainable and resilient digital infrastructure.
One of the main optimization focuses in the data centers sphere is energy consumption management, especially when deploying AI workloads, which require higher electricity consumption and generate more heat. To tackle this challenge, the integration of AI and predictive analytics enables real-time adjustments, optimizing energy use and improving the efficiency of cooling systems.
At Schneider Electric, we offer smart solutions that not only help reduce energy consumption but also enable centralized data management, allowing real-time monitoring to ensure optimal data center operation. This strategy also supports Chile’s sustainability goals, reducing operational costs, ensuring service continuity and promoting renewable energy adoption in line with the government’s energy efficiency law.
Our comprehensive end-to-end portfolio combines hardware with advanced digital capabilities. An example is our EcoStruxure IT platform, which includes advanced monitoring and predictive maintenance features for IT equipment and cooling systems. This solution helps data centers maximize equipment lifespan, reduce downtime and minimize environmental impact by improving operational efficiency.
In the area of cooling, it’s worth noting that as traditional data centers reach their cooling efficiency limits of around 40kW, it becomes necessary to adopt advanced liquid cooling solutions to maintain proper temperatures and optimize equipment performance. To address this need, Schneider Electric offers innovative solutions such as liquid cooling systems, which provide more efficient cooling than traditional air-based systems, particularly in high-performance computing environments. Our solution supports high workload densities, especially for energy-intensive processes like those required by AI.
Moreover, we offer systems with advanced airflow management, enabling dynamic adjustments to air circulation, eliminating hot spots, and monitoring temperature and humidity in real time to ensure optimal energy efficiency. We also offer the EcoXpert program, a key tool for preparing and certifying specialized partners in critical data center infrastructure. This program includes certifications in energy, cooling, system integration and software, giving partners a competitive edge in the market and helping them adapt to emerging demands from technology. It also provides access to a robust ecosystem of technical and commercial support to collaborate and leverage new business opportunities in the data center space.
BNamericas: One of your products is an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, solution. Do you think the massive blackout in Chile in February has sparked greater interest in these types of solutions, or has there always been consistent demand for backup power products in this segment?
Santamaría: Absolutely. Events like these raise awareness of vulnerability to power outages and the importance of having backup solutions to ensure uninterrupted performance – especially in areas where power stability is a challenge.
In this context, UPS are essential tools for mitigating the impact of outages. These devices are designed to protect electronic equipment and ensure operation even during power interruptions or voltage fluctuations, allowing both homes and businesses, especially critical sectors, to maintain operational continuity.
In an energy crisis, UPS systems act as a barrier between the user and power fluctuations, offering immediate backup in the event of a blackout and protecting equipment from potential damage. They are increasingly sophisticated and designed to provide enough autonomy to keep systems running until the power supply issue is resolved or preventive measures are implemented.
Our UPS systems feature advanced characteristics, such as monitoring capability, as well as key qualities that make this product line unique, such as quality, sustainability, high capacity and superior performance in terms of autonomy.
