The U.S. took a big step this week by identifying 16 federal sites for AI infrastructure development. The Department of Energy plans to build data centers powered by nuclear and renewable energy to meet surging demand for AI processing. These centers will partner with private companies to create smarter energy grids and support urban AI tools like traffic sensors and emergency response systems. Officials aim to have some sites running by 2027, mixing fast construction with green energy solutions.

In China, Yizhuang emerged as a leader in AI healthcare innovation. The city’s hospitals now use AI for patient triage, pre-diagnosis consultations, and appointment booking – reducing wait times and streamlining care. On the roads, Yizhuang’s vehicle-road-cloud system uses real-time data from cars and traffic cameras to predict congestion and adjust signals, making commutes smoother. This dual focus on health and mobility shows how AI can tackle multiple urban challenges at once.

Nigeria’s Lagos launched an AI-driven overhaul of its bus network to address chronic traffic issues. The city implemented AI route optimization tools that analyze rider patterns and road conditions to design faster, more efficient bus schedules. With limited space and a growing population, Lagos hopes these changes will make public transit reliable enough to reduce car dependency.

Private companies are shifting resources toward AI city projects. Bitcoin miner IREN paused crypto expansion to focus on building AI data centers, citing higher demand for urban computing power. Japan’s NTT broke ground on a Tokyo-area data center specifically designed for AI and cloud services, highlighting Asia’s tech investments. In Europe, CyrusOne opened a 54-megawatt solar-powered data center in Milan, proving that green AI infrastructure can support Europe’s digital growth without increasing carbon footprints.

These global efforts highlight a shared focus on sustainable AI development. While solutions vary by region – from nuclear-powered U.S. data centers to Nigeria’s transit apps – cities worldwide recognize AI’s potential to solve overcrowding, pollution, and resource shortages. However, experts warn that unchecked data center growth could strain energy grids, requiring careful planning to balance innovation with environmental protection.