The American startup Neu.ro, in collaboration with Icelandic firm atNorth, unveiled a cloud solution with zero emissions for machine-learning tasks.<\/p>\n
Neu.ro AI Cloud is the first cloud with a zero-emission footprint, integrated with a full suite of MLOps tools for the entire machine-learning lifecycle. It is built on Nvidia A100 GPUs, and its capacity is 80 MW.<\/p>\n
The solution uses 100% renewable geothermal and hydro energy, which emits no CO2 into the atmosphere. Moreover, its location beyond the Arctic Circle in Iceland enables natural cooling.<\/p>\n
\n“In data centres, cooling accounts for around 40% of electricity consumption on average, and in warmer climates it can reach 80%,” the company said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Neu.ro researchers conducted a study and found that computing and telecommunications account for about 9% of global energy consumption. They anticipate that this figure will double over the next decade.<\/p>\n
According to Neu.ro co-founder Max Prasolov, the company spends substantial electricity and compute power on training models for clients, which prompted them to seek greener alternatives.<\/p>\n
\n“The aim is not to be carbon-neutral… The question is how to achieve zero emissions,” he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In ForkLog’s interview, Prasolov said that beyond a clean energy source, Neu.ro AI Cloud provides MLOps tools that enable faster development of algorithms, account for budgets for each model, and shift the perspective on ML model development.<\/p>\n
\n“Using the right MLOps stack can save up to 80% of engineers\u2019 time on routine, repetitive tasks. And the time of MLOps engineers is very costly and accounts for a significant share of the costs of machine learning,” he added.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Prasolov also noted that Neu.ro Cloud AI helps companies not only reduce but also account for the carbon footprint of their operations, something that is becoming a mandatory norm for public companies in many countries around the world.<\/p>\n
In November, Swedish regulators called for a ban on Bitcoin mining<\/a> and other Proof-of-Work cryptocurrencies within the European Union due to the energy intensity of digital-asset mining.<\/p>\n
Later, Norwegian authorities said they intended to back the Swedish colleagues\u2019 initiative<\/a>, citing “undue electricity costs.”<\/p>\n
In October, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz proposed using natural gas for Bitcoin mining<\/a> to “help the environment.”<\/p>\n