May 7, 2025

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Constellation Shifts to Grid-Connected Data Centers, AI Boosts Productivity

The AI industry is undergoing significant developments, with companies shifting their focus towards grid-connected data centers due to regulatory push-back on co-located projects. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's crackdown on renewable energy may slow the growth of the US data center industry, leading to reliance on dirtier energy sources. The use of fossil-powered generators to power data centers has raised concerns about pollution and emissions. On the other hand, companies like Uber are partnering with AI startups to deploy self-driving taxis and driverless rides. The AI revolution is expected to have a significant impact on the workforce, with some workers benefiting from new technologies while others are left behind. Developing nations are looking to AI to boost productivity and overcome development challenges. Several companies are adjusting their workforce as they adopt AI and automation, while startups are raising funds to expand their AI-powered software. The UN and other organizations are discussing the potential of AI to accelerate sustainable development and provide maritime awareness.

Key Takeaways

  • Constellation is shifting its focus to grid-connected data centers due to regulatory push-back on co-located projects.
  • The Trump administration's crackdown on renewable energy may slow the growth of the US data center industry.
  • The use of fossil-powered generators to power data centers has raised concerns about pollution and emissions.
  • Uber is partnering with AI startups to deploy self-driving taxis and driverless rides.
  • The AI revolution may worsen workplace inequalities, with some workers benefiting from new technologies while others are left behind.
  • Developing nations are looking to AI to boost productivity and overcome development challenges.
  • Companies like Duolingo, UPS, and Cisco are adjusting their workforce as they adopt AI and automation.
  • Startups like Onebeat are raising funds to expand their AI-powered software.
  • The UN and other organizations are discussing the potential of AI to accelerate sustainable development.
  • AI is being used to provide maritime awareness and situational awareness for agencies and partners.

Constellation shifts focus to grid-connected data centers

Constellation is refocusing on grid-connected AI data center power projects due to regulatory push-back on co-located projects. The company's CEO, Joseph Dominguez, stated that on-grid sales are increasingly attractive to them and their customers. Constellation had considered co-located and off-the-grid data center projects at several nuclear reactor sites. The shift in focus comes as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission considers new rules for co-located power projects.

Trump's green energy attacks hurt data centers and AI

The Trump administration's crackdown on renewable energy may slow the growth of the US data center industry and undermine the country's goal to lead the global AI race. The industry relies on renewable energy to power and train AI, and a clampdown could create power bottlenecks and drive up costs. Experts warn that this could lead to a reliance on dirtier energy sources and hinder the sector's ability to meet surging demand for power.

Fossil-powered generators power data centers

The AI boom has led to an increase in the use of fossil-powered generators to power data centers. Elon Musk's xAI supercomputing facility in Memphis is an example of this trend, with the company using mobile gas-powered units to provide electricity. This has raised concerns about pollution and emissions, with estimates suggesting that the facility could be the largest source of nitrogen oxides in Memphis.

Uber partners with Pony AI for self-driving taxis

Uber has partnered with China's Pony AI to deploy self-driving taxis in the Middle East. The partnership will launch later this year and will roll out to more international markets in the future. Pony AI's vehicles will include a safety operator onboard before transitioning to a fully autonomous commercial launch. Uber has signed several new partnerships to strengthen its presence in the robotaxi sector.

Uber partners with Momenta for driverless rides

Uber has partnered with Momenta to deploy driverless rides in Europe. The partnership will combine Uber's ridesharing expertise with Momenta's autonomous driving technology. Uber has been expanding its presence in the robotaxi market through partnerships with companies like May Mobility and Waymo. The company aims to accelerate the deployment of safe and efficient robotaxi services.

AI revolution may divide workforce

The AI revolution may worsen workplace inequalities, with some workers benefiting from new technologies while others are left behind. Companies may need to consider adapting some workers' tasks to the AI revolution, and protecting employment may not be the right mindset. A report highlights the risks of exacerbating inequality and the importance of equipping workers with the right skills to navigate the AI revolution effectively.

Companies adjust workforce as they adopt AI

Several companies, including Duolingo, UPS, and Cisco, are adjusting their workforce as they adopt AI and automation. Duolingo is striving to be 'AI-first' and will gradually stop using contractors for work that AI can handle. UPS is increasing its efficiency through automation and AI tools, which has helped reduce its labor demands. Cisco has embarked on a restructuring to invest in AI and other growth areas.

Developing nations expect AI productivity boost

Most people in the developing world expect AI to boost productivity over the next year, according to a UN report. The report highlights the potential for AI to counter an 'unprecedented slowdown' in human development. Developing nations are looking to AI to help them overcome development challenges and improve their economic prospects.

Onebeat raises $15 million for AI inventory software

Onebeat, an Israel-based startup, has raised $15 million in funding to expand its AI-powered inventory software to the US market. The company's software helps retailers optimize their inventory and reduce waste. Onebeat plans to use the new funds to launch its platform in the US and expand its customer base.

ECOSOC discusses AI innovations and SDGs

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held a special meeting on artificial intelligence (AI) to discuss its potential to accelerate sustainable development in the Global South. The meeting brought together representatives from member states, the UN system, private sector leaders, and civil society stakeholders to explore the role of AI in addressing development challenges.

NRL's PROTEUS provides maritime awareness

The Naval Research Laboratory's PROTEUS program is a maritime domain awareness system that provides near-real-time global maritime situational awareness for agencies and partners. The program integrates multi-source data ingestion and fusion services to identify and query maritime vessels based on user-defined criteria. PROTEUS is being used by agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration.

ServiceNow debuts CRM and AI tools

ServiceNow has introduced a new customer relationship management (CRM) platform and two AI tools to make it easier for customers to use artificial intelligence agents. The CRM platform will ship with AI agents designed to automate sales and customer service tasks. The company has also launched AI Control Tower, which allows customers to centrally monitor their AI agents, and AI Agent Fabric, which enables AI agents to exchange data with other systems.

Sources

AI Data Centers Renewable Energy Fossil-Powered Generators Self-Driving Taxis Robotaxis