Solar energy’s moment in the sun
Digest
This podcast episode from the Financial Times covers a range of topics related to technology and energy. It begins with a discussion of BlackRock and Microsoft's partnership to launch a $30 billion fund focused on AI infrastructure. This fund will invest in data centers and energy projects to support the growing demand for AI computing power. The episode then shifts to BP's decision to sell its US onshore wind business and focus on solar energy instead. This move reflects the growing popularity of solar energy in the US, driven by its lower cost and ease of installation compared to wind energy. The podcast also explores Meta's new features for teen accounts on Instagram, which aim to address concerns about the potential harm of social media platforms on young people. These features include limited visibility and reduced exposure to sensitive content. Finally, the episode features an interview with Margretta Vessier, the EU's outgoing competition chief. Vessier discusses her efforts to regulate big tech companies, emphasizing the importance of enforcing competition laws and ensuring a level playing field for innovation. She also highlights the potential of the Digital Markets Act to promote fair competition in the digital economy.
Outlines
Tech and Energy Industry Developments
This podcast episode from the Financial Times covers a range of topics related to technology and energy, including BlackRock and Microsoft's AI investment, BP's shift to solar energy, Meta's new teen account features, and an interview with the EU's outgoing competition chief.
BlackRock and Microsoft's AI Investment
BlackRock and Microsoft are partnering to launch a massive $30 billion fund focused on AI infrastructure. The fund will invest in data centers and energy projects to support the growing demand for AI computing power.
BP's Shift to Solar Energy
BP is selling its US onshore wind business and focusing on solar energy instead. This move reflects the growing popularity of solar in the US, driven by its lower cost and ease of installation compared to wind energy.
Meta's New Teen Account Features and EU Competition Chief Interview
Meta is introducing new features for teen accounts on Instagram, including limited visibility and reduced exposure to sensitive content. These changes aim to address concerns about the potential harm of social media platforms on young people. The podcast also features an interview with Margretta Vessier, the EU's outgoing competition chief. Vessier discusses her efforts to regulate big tech companies, emphasizing the importance of enforcing competition laws and ensuring a level playing field for innovation.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Infrastructure
The physical and digital systems required to support the development, deployment, and operation of AI technologies, including data centers, computing power, and energy resources.
Solar Energy
Energy derived from sunlight using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal technologies. It is becoming increasingly popular due to its lower cost, ease of installation, and environmental benefits.
Competition Law
A body of law that aims to prevent anti-competitive practices and promote fair competition in the marketplace. It covers issues such as monopolies, price fixing, and mergers.
Big Tech Regulation
The process of regulating large technology companies to address concerns about their market power, data privacy, and potential harm to consumers.
Digital Markets Act
A new EU law aimed at regulating large online platforms and promoting fair competition in the digital economy. It includes provisions on interoperability, data access, and the prevention of anti-competitive practices.
Q&A
What is the main focus of the $30 billion fund launched by BlackRock and Microsoft?
The fund aims to invest in the infrastructure needed to support the growing demand for AI computing power, including data centers and energy projects.
Why is BP shifting its focus from wind energy to solar energy?
BP believes that solar energy offers greater growth potential due to its lower cost, ease of installation, and the expectation of significant growth in solar installations over the next decade.
What are the key takeaways from the interview with Margretta Vessier, the EU's outgoing competition chief?
Vessier emphasizes the importance of enforcing competition laws to ensure a level playing field for innovation and prevent big tech companies from abusing their market power. She also highlights the need for speed in addressing anti-competitive behaviors and the potential of the Digital Markets Act to promote fair competition in the digital economy.
Show Notes
BlackRock and Microsoft are launching a $30bn data centre fund to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence, and BP puts its onshore US wind business up for sale. Meta is making teenagers’ Instagram accounts private by default and EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager speaks to the FT about her efforts to regulate in Big Tech.
Mentioned in this podcast:
BlackRock and Microsoft plan $30bn fund to invest in AI infrastructure
BP puts $2bn US onshore wind business up for sale
Instagram to make teenagers’ profiles private by default
Vestager warns EU against weakening merger rules
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Mischa Frankl-Duval, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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