A podcast that captures how digitalisation transforms our everyday life

We live our lives increasingly digital. From how we work and learn to how we communicate and move, digital technologies shape what we do every day. Much of that happens behind the scenes. Invisible systems process, store and connect the data that makes our lives smoother, faster and more accessible. Data centers are a key part of that system.

One of the areas where the positive impact of digitalisation becomes most tangible is healthcare. 

Digital technology and the future of healthcare

We track our sleep, our heart rate and our fitness. We receive signals from our own bodies, sometimes even before we realise something is wrong. As care needs increase, technology enables people to remain in the familiar environment of their own homes for longer. And in places where healthcare was once out of reach, digital tools are bringing diagnosis and expertise closer than ever before.

At the same time, healthcare systems are under growing pressure. Populations are ageing, costs are rising and staff shortages are becoming structural. People want care that is more accessible, more personalised and closer to their daily lives.

And that is exactly where digital technology comes in.

Technology that cares

In this episode, we talk with Chris Van Hoof, Vice President R&D at imec and General Manager of the OnePlanet Research Center, and Wim Fyen, Director of Sustainability at imec.

Together, they explore a future where technology doesn’t just treat illness, but helps people stay healthy. A future in which intelligent devices quietly accompany us in our daily lives, offering guidance and support long before we need medical care.

Tune in now through your preferred podcast channel:

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AI has the potential to transform every stage of the pharmaceutical life cycle. Its impact spans from research and development to manufacturing, improving manufacturing through better monitoring. To unlock this potential, the sector needs long-term infrastructure, clear adoption strategies and close collaboration between industry and academia.

These themes were discussed during a recent CIONET x LCL roundtable, where leaders from GSK, Johnson & Johnson and UCB joined the discussion. The session was led by Prof. Stein Aerts, Scientific Director at VIB.AI. His organisation pioneers a new generation of biological research through the integration of machine learning and computational biology.

This whitepaper distils the key insights from the roundtable and makes the case for Belgium to take the lead in housing AI infrastructure that supports life sciences, and safeguards European competitiveness.

“Every two months a revolution happens in AI”

AI or quantum computing: which is the emerging technology that will disrupt the data center world first? In this episode, we explore the future of our sector with Erik Mannens, Professor and Researcher at Ghent University and the University of Antwerp, and Laurens van Reijen, CEO at LCL Data Centers.

“Right now, AI is top of mind for world leaders. It is considered the next major power player and is evolving at an exceptional pace; every two months a revolution happens in AI,” says Erik Mannens. Laurens van Reijen agrees, adding: “AI itself isn’t new, but its integration into data centers is still in its early stages. The workloads it generates are unlike anything we’ve seen before, marking a true paradigm shift for our industry.”

Both underline the importance of innovation and collaboration: “To stay ahead, we need to innovate, not with brute power but with smart research,” says Laurens. Erik builds on this, “I’ve seen both industry and academia up close, and I can say this with certainty: we need each other. Let’s collaborate and share knowledge so we can shape the future of AI together.”

Tune in for a unique look at the future of our sector, through the eyes of two industry experts. Enjoy the listen!

AI’s sustainability challenge is anything but theoretical, says Professor Bjorn Cumps, expert in Financial Services Innovation & FinTech at Vlerick Business School. “We’ve all embraced the idea that artificial intelligence offers smarter solutions, but all too often we remain blind to its hidden cost: a skyrocketing energy footprint. It’s time we start using these tools more consciously,” he says. As AI advances, so does its appetite for energy. According to Cumps, the only way to keep that growth sustainable is through smarter usage, greener infrastructure, and smarter regulation.

Should consumers be concerned about the energy behind AI?

Bjorn Cumps: “Certainly, because many end users consider artificial intelligence and cloud computing to be intangible. To be magic. But it’s not magic; it’s machines. And machines require energy. Every time you ask ChatGPT a question or generate an image, you’re triggering a huge amount of computing power behind the scenes. Especially with generative AI, you are not simply retrieving existing data, like with a Google search – you’re creating something new, which requires millions or even billions of calculations per prompt. Those calculations demand servers, cooling systems, and constant power.”

How steep is AI’s energy curve?

“The numbers are sobering. Every 100 days, the computing power required for AI doubles. Nvidia’s CEO recently predicted a 100-fold increase in demand over the next few years. And Google, which aimed to become net zero by 2030, saw its emissions increase by 50% since 2019, mainly due to AI. If you zoom out, this is not sustainable – at least, not at the pace we’re moving now.”

How does AI’s energy footprint compare to familiar digital activities like streaming or searching?

“It’s tricky, because we often compare apples to pears. If you watch a 4K video, yes, that’s energy intensive. But generating that 4K video with AI in the first place costs far more. Similarly, asking ChatGPT a question consumes 10 to 15 times more energy than a basic Google search. Multiply that by billions of prompts a day, and it adds up very quickly.”

Should we rethink how we use AI in everyday contexts, especially for non-essential tasks?

“Let’s say: we should think twice, without feeling guilty. If you’re generating images or videos ‘just for fun’, you’re using vast computing resources for low-impact activities. That’s like leaving all your lights on when you go to bed. We need to apply the same logic to digital tools. Banning usage is not what we should be doing, being conscious is. So, ask yourself questions like: ‘Do I really need to generate this?’, ‘Could I use a smaller model?’, ‘Is this the best use of energy?’ Etc.”

Where do data centers fit into this picture?

“Data centers are on the frontline. They host the models, provide the infrastructure, and determine how green, or not, AI truly is. Their energy sourcing, cooling systems, and transparency practices are crucial. In Belgium, we already see leaders like LCL going beyond compliance and investing heavily in sustainable practices. That sets an example for others. But we need systemic pressure from regulators, from users, and from competition to raise the bar across the board.”

What role should governments and regulators play in curbing the environmental impact of AI?

“They can accelerate transparency requirements. Right now, most users have no idea what kind of infrastructure their AI prompt activates, or whether it’s powered by green or grey energy. Europe is leading the way on regulation, but even here, we’re not moving fast enough.”

Can individual user behaviour actually influence broader industry practices?

”Absolutely. In the end, we vote with our clicks. If enough people start choosing services that are more energy-aware, companies will follow. Think of the rise of organic food or electric vehicles: it started small, but demand changed the system. The same could happen here. Avoid overconsumption. Choose the efficient model. Ask for transparency. Don’t use a bazooka to swat a fly.”

Is the growing reliance on AI deepening the digital divide between those who can keep up and those who can’t?

“That’s already happening. On one end, you have companies and workers using AI to become vastly more productive. On the other, people whose jobs are being automated but who lack the skills to switch roles. It’s a question of access, but also of education, upskilling and support. AI could widen social inequalities if we don’t take the appropriate action.”

Do you see signs that organisations or business schools are beginning to take digital sustainability seriously?

“Yes, we’re seeing a growing awareness in business schools, among students, and even in policy circles. At Vlerick Business School, we now offer an entire Executive MBA track focused on digital sustainability. We’re helping professionals navigate these complex issues – how to use AI to boost productivity without causing environmental damage, and how to make sustainability a core part of digital transformation.

If there’s one principle you’d like people to adopt when it comes to AI, what would it be?

“Treat AI like electricity: incredibly useful when applied with purpose. Just as we don’t leave the lights or oven on unnecessarily,  we shouldn’t overuse AI tools without reason. Use them where they truly add value and be mindful of when they don’t.”

Data centers face a dual challenge in energy management: meeting escalating demands while reducing environmental impact. Data centers need to actively reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions to move towards a more sustainable future. The quest for a reliable, non-stop energy supply to ensure customer satisfaction and uptime adds another layer to this already complex puzzle.

The balancing act has become even more critical with the AI-driven surge in computational needs. The computational intensity required to train and use AI models surpasses traditional computing by a considerable margin, straining our existing energy infrastructure.

Global data center electricity consumption already accounts for 1-1.3% of total demand, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), which is why finding a sustainable, reliable energy source is paramount. Many alternative energy sources are being considered, but some say the solution might be nuclear, in the form of small nuclear power plants.

Entering the arena: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Enter Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as “advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.” Unlike their larger counterparts, SMRs are designed for simplicity, offering a substantial yet low-carbon power output, which makes them particularly appealing for a variety of applications, from powering distant towns, to powering data centers.

The journey of commercial SMRs began at Oregon State University (OSU), where the first one was designed by a team of nuclear scientists in 2007. Building on OSU’s prototype, NuScale Power developed the first working model, which has since been given the green light by the Office of Nuclear Energy in the United States.

While there are currently no SMRs in commercial operation around the world, the IAEA says many member states are focusing on the development of SMRs. It is estimated that there are more than 80 SMR designs and concepts globally. Most of them are in various developmental stages, but some are claimed as being near-term deployable. Both public and private institutions are actively participating in efforts to bring SMR technology to fruition within this decade.

Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first floating nuclear power plant that began operation in May 2020, is producing energy from two 35 MW(e) SMRs. Other SMRs are under construction or in the licensing stage in Argentina, Canada, China, Russia, South Korea, and the United States of America.

Benefits of SMRs for Data Centers:

In the shadow of major nuclear incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima with their lasting impact, much of the public considers nuclear power as a significant risk.

However, the IAEA states that SMRs pose far less risk because of their smaller size, simpler design, and inherent safety characteristics, such as low power and operating pressure. In such cases no human intervention or external power force is required to shut the systems down, because they rely on physical phenomena, such as natural circulation, convection, gravity, and self-pressurisation. In case of an incident, SMR safety features eliminate or significantly lower the potential for unsafe releases of radioactivity to the environment and the public.

Other possible benefits include:

• Sustainability: SMRs will not emit carbon or other atmospheric pollutants during the power generation process, aligning with the industry’s sustainability goals. This makes them a worthy partner for wind and solar energy, which are more dependent on weather conditions. As opposed to classic reactors where it’s too cumbersome to turn them on and off, with an SMR you could tailor the production to match the need for power.
• Reliability: SMRs provide a continuous power supply, essential for 24/7 uptime required by modern data centers, as they can adjust output according to demand. Some renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are variable because they depend on weather conditions and time of day.
• Scalability and space efficiency: Their modular nature allows for tailored energy output and compact size fits locations unsuitable for larger plants. Because of their modular nature, some parts can be assembled in a factory and then moved, saving time and construction costs.
• Fuel efficiency: SMRs require less frequent refuelling compared to traditional nuclear plants, reducing operational interruptions, and limiting risks. It’s more efficient fuel consumption also means less nuclear waste compared to traditional plants.

Many voices consider SMRs and nuclear power in general a viable way forward. The consideration of nuclear power is also supported, which may come as a surprise to some, by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Their main activity is the preparation of reports assessing the state of knowledge of climate change. In their 2023 AR6 synthesis report, they describe nuclear power as a source with very low CO₂ emissions per kWh, meaning low ecological impact, but also low land occupation and low material use. For a decrease in carbon emissions, it’s a far better choice than fossil fuels. But is it the best option? That depends on many factors, including some concerning ones.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite their benefits and many vendors hoping to launch their designs in this decade, SMRs face hurdles:

• Regulatory and public perception: Navigating regulatory frameworks and shifting public opinion, wary due to past nuclear incidents, poses significant challenges.
• Time and availability: Most SMRs are still in developmental or licensing stages, with a realistic operational timeline not expected until the end of this decade. SMRs won’t be widely available in the near future, while the rise of AI is very much happening right now.
• Cost: Initial costs and comparison to renewable energy sources remain contentious. Critics like Doug Parr, chief scientist at Greenpeace UK, argue that SMRs might not offer a cost-effective solution compared to renewables. For example, Cost-related withdrawals by several towns involved ended a Nuscale SMR project in Utah.
• Nuclear waste: Even though the produced nuclear waste will be much less than that of a traditional plant, it can’t be eliminated completely. Countries will need to include spent fuel from SMRs in their nuclear waste management programs.

A fleeting trend or sustainable future?

Critics claim that the hype of SMR will fade away as difficulties arise, while other see it as the best way forward. Hard to say who will be right in the end, but the trajectory of SMR development is noteworthy.

Fact of the matter is that a big global player like Microsoft listed a recruitment notice for a “Principal Program Manager, Nuclear Technology, who will be responsible for maturing and implementing a global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor energy strategy.” Its founder Bill Gates – writer of ‘How to avoid a climate disaster’- is also banking on SMRs by being Chairman of the Board at Terrapower, a nuclear innovation company. The global effort in SMR development, illustrated by projects in countries like Argentina, Canada, The United States and South Korea, reflects a broad interest in this technology’s potential.

As the global community leans towards more sustainable and reliable energy solutions, SMRs stand out as an avenue worth exploring. The ongoing research, dialogue among stakeholders, and forthcoming technological advancements will be key in determining whether SMRs will play a part in the data centers of tomorrow.