MDDI's Response to PQ on Tracking Environmental Impact of AI Usage

Parliament Sitting on 4 March 2026

Question for Oral Answer

*17 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Government tracks the environmental impact of artificial intelligence usage, including data centre energy consumption and emissions; (b) if so, what methodologies are used and findings obtained; and (c) whether such impacts have been assessed against Singapore’s long-term environmental targets, including the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Answer

 This question has been addressed in a related Parliamentary Question filed by Ms Elysa Chen at the 3 March Parliament sitting.

While Singapore does not have a pre-determined upper limit to DC capacity, we work within the envelope of our resource constraints and long-term environmental commitments. Therefore, we adopt a calibrated approach to growing the sector. We monitor the resource footprint of DCs using internationally recognised metrics like power and water usage effectiveness.

These metrics are used in the assessment of applicants for new DC capacity, which is primarily allocated through the competitive Call for Application mechanism. We expect applicants to be best-in-class for resource efficiency.

The upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act aims to uplift the energy efficiency and overall sustainability of DCs. We will share more details when ready.

*Converted to written