This children’s article, Data centres: the hidden buildings powering the internet and AI, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build reading skills, learn new technology vocabulary, and understand how modern digital life really works behind the scenes. Written by Mark Pulley, a writer and teacher who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What is a data centre?
A data centre is a large building filled with powerful computers called servers. These servers store information and keep the internet working. Every time someone watches a video, plays an online game, sends a message, or asks a question to AI, a data centre is involved.
From the outside, data centres often look plain and quiet. Inside, they are anything but. Thousands of computers run day and night, moving and saving huge amounts of data. Without data centres, modern life would slow down very quickly.
How AI has changed data centres
In the past, data centres mainly stored websites, emails, and photos. Today, artificial intelligence has changed everything. AI systems need far more computing power, which means more servers, more space, and much more energy.
Because of AI, new data centres are much bigger than older ones. Some are the size of several football pitches. They also need faster computers and special equipment to handle complex calculations. This rapid growth has made data centres one of the fastest-growing parts of the tech world.
How data centres work
Inside a data centre, rows of servers are connected by thick cables. These machines work together to process requests from all over the world. When someone searches online or uses an app, the request travels to a data centre and back in a fraction of a second.
All this activity creates a lot of heat. To stop the computers from overheating, data centres use powerful cooling systems. Many use air conditioning, while others use water to keep the servers cool. Keeping everything at the right temperature is one of their biggest challenges.
Where data centres are built
Data centres are often built near cities so information can travel quickly. They are also placed near strong power supplies and fast internet connections. Some countries have become popular locations because they are cooler or have cheaper electricity.
In recent years, data centres have appeared in rural areas too. Large, flat spaces make it easier to build huge facilities. This has sometimes caused concern among local communities who are not used to large industrial buildings nearby.
Why are some people worried about them?
Data centres use enormous amounts of electricity. If this power comes from fossil fuels, it can increase pollution and climate change. This is one reason why people worry about the rapid growth of these buildings.
Water use is another issue. Some data centres use millions of litres of water each day for cooling. In dry areas, this can put pressure on local water supplies. Because of this, many people want governments and companies to find greener ways to power and cool data centres.
For extra reading, older and confident readers can explore how data centres work on the IBM website.
Article vocabulary list
- Data centre: A building filled with computers that store and process information.
- Server: A powerful computer that provides data to other computers.
- Artificial intelligence: Technology that allows computers to learn and make decisions.
- Processing power: The ability of a computer to handle complex tasks.
- Cooling system: Equipment used to stop machines from overheating.
- Electricity: Energy used to power machines and buildings.
- Fossil fuels: Natural fuels like coal, oil, and gas that can cause pollution.
- Climate change: Long-term changes to Earth’s weather and temperature.
Comprehension questions
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1. What is the main job of a data centre?
a) To build computers
b) To store and process information
c) To control the weather
Answer: b) To store and process information
2. Why has AI increased the size of data centres?
a) AI needs more computing power
b) AI only works at night
c) AI replaces the internet
Answer: a) AI needs more computing power
3. What problem is caused by computers running all the time?
a) They become too noisy
b) They move too slowly
c) They produce a lot of heat
Answer: c) They produce a lot of heat
4. Why are some data centres built outside cities?
a) To hide them from people
b) To use large, open spaces
c) To avoid internet connections
Answer: b) To use large, open spaces
5. What makes data centres harmful to the environment if not managed carefully?
a) Their use of electricity and fossil fuels
b) Their grey buildings
c) Their computer keyboards
Answer: a) Their use of electricity and fossil fuels
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
