Tech

Global race for AI infrastructure amid soaring energy costs

Japan invests ¥1 trillion in AI infrastructure amid global tech race as energy costs and concerns rise

Published

2 months ago

December 22, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Japan invests ¥1 trillion in AI infrastructure amid global tech race as energy costs and concerns rise

In Short:
– Japan plans to invest ¥1 trillion in domestic AI to enhance infrastructure and compete globally.
– China is focusing on technological independence as domestic chipmakers prepare for public offerings.

Japan plans to invest ¥1 trillion ($6.34 billion) over five years in a domestic artificial intelligence company. This initiative aims to build infrastructure for AI, despite rising electricity costs raising concerns about the industry’s sustainability.The government will collaborate with SoftBank Group and Preferred Networks to develop the largest foundation model in Japan, employing around 100 engineers to compete globally. This effort reflects worries about the risks of relying on foreign AI technology.

China is also increasing its focus on technological independence. Domestic chipmakers are preparing for public offerings to enhance their capabilities, following successful launches by Moore Threads and MetaX in Shanghai. Companies such as Biren Technology and Baidu’s Kunlunxin are also planning to go public.

SoftBank is pursuing a $22.5 billion funding commitment to OpenAI by year-end, by selling assets and securing loans. CEO Masayoshi Son’s significant investment signifies a strong commitment to AI infrastructure.

AI Infrastructure

The rapid expansion of data centers is putting pressure on energy resources. Projections suggest data centers will consume 945 terawatt-hours by 2030, nearly tripling from 415 TWh in 2024. In the U.S., energy use by data centers could reach 9% to 12% of total supply by 2028.

Concerns have arisen over whether tech companies’ activities are raising residential electricity costs, with investigations launched by three Democratic senators targeting major companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon. Utilities face significant expenses to upgrade grids, which may be passed on to consumers.

The energy demand is benefiting companies that supply power infrastructure. Jefferies recently upgraded GE Vernova to Buy, citing expected growth in gas pricing and long-term service demand amid rising energy needs.

Tech

Apple set to unveil budget iPhone 17e, new iPads and low-cost MacBook

Apple’s Tim Cook announces major product reveals this week, highlighting budget iPhone 17e, new iPads, and low-cost MacBook.

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Apple’s Tim Cook announces major product reveals this week, highlighting budget iPhone 17e, new iPads, and low-cost MacBook.

Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook has confirmed a major week of product announcements kicking off Monday morning, building momentum toward a global “Apple Experience” event across New York, London and Shanghai. The tech giant is expected to spread its reveals across three days, fuelling speculation about its biggest refresh cycle yet.

Leading the buzz is the rumoured budget-friendly iPhone 17e, signalling Apple’s push to capture more price-conscious consumers without sacrificing performance. Two new iPads powered by advanced chips are also tipped to headline the lineup, pointing to stronger AI capabilities and faster processing speeds.

Rounding out the expected reveals is a low-cost 12.9-inch MacBook that’s already generating serious interest, alongside updated MacBook Pro models and a refreshed Mac Studio. It’s shaping up to be one of Apple’s most significant multi-product launches in recent years.

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#Apple #TimCook #iPhone17e #AppleEvent #TechNews #iPad #MacBook #Innovation

Tech

Nvidia posts record revenue as AI fears shake investors

Nvidia’s £68.1 billion revenue, up 73%, raises investor concerns about AI’s impact and tech customers’ financial health.

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nvidia’s £68.1 billion revenue, up 73%, raises investor concerns about AI’s impact and tech customers’ financial health.

Nvidia posted strong quarterly earnings, but Wall Street remained unimpressed, causing shares to fall 5%. Analysts point to investor concerns over AI dominance and a stalled $100 billion deal with OpenAI.

Experts discuss what factors in the earnings report failed to meet market expectations, including revenue projections and details around the Vera Rubin chip architecture. Competition from alternative chipmakers and scrutiny of hyperscaler cash flows are also shaping investor sentiment.

Despite recent setbacks, analysts remain cautiously bullish on Nvidia, highlighting long-term AI potential and the company’s dominant position in the chip market.

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Tech

Meta launches lawsuits over alleged scam advertising operations

Meta targets scam advertising networks in Brazil, China, and Vietnam, intensifying its crackdown on scams across its platforms.

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Meta targets scam advertising networks in Brazil, China, and Vietnam, intensifying its crackdown on scams across its platforms.

Social media giant Meta has launched aggressive legal action targeting alleged scam operations using its platforms. The company has filed lawsuits against four advertising networks based in Brazil, China and Vietnam.

Meta has also issued cease and desist letters to eight marketing consultants accused of helping clients bypass the platform’s enforcement systems. The move signals a tougher stance on organised scam activity operating at scale.

While no criminal charges have been laid, Meta says it is doubling down on efforts to protect users and restore trust across its platforms as scam activity continues to rise globally.

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