As data centers grow, so do concerns over water and power use
Data centers are projected to significantly increase electricity and water consumption globally by 2030, driven by the growth of AI. This demand raises environmental concerns regarding the lasting impact on shared resources like power and water, as highlighted by experts.
A recent report from the International Energy Agency projects that data centers globally could more than double their electricity consumption by 2030. This surge is primarily attributed to the expanding use of artificial intelligence, which necessitates more powerful computing infrastructure.
In addition to electricity, data centers are also major consumers of water. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute indicates that a single large data center can utilize up to five million gallons of water daily.
Ryan Anderson, a staff attorney with the Southern Environment, Mal Law Center, underscored the significant environmental implications of these demands. He explained that data centers require substantial power to operate their computers and considerable water for both cooling purposes and for the generation of the electricity they consume. These escalating demands are raising concerns about their lasting impact on shared natural resources.