Google to use air-cooling at future Botetourt County data center
Google has announced that the first of three data center buildings in Botetourt County, Virginia, will use air-cooling instead of water-cooling, reducing water draw from Carvins Cove. While county officials view this positively, concerned residents and a Virginia Tech researcher highlight environmental trade-offs, including increased electricity consumption, noise, and heat island effects. The change sparks new concerns for the local community regarding the project's broader impact.
Google announced a significant change to its planned data center in Botetourt County, Virginia, stating that the first of three buildings will utilize air-cooling technology instead of water cooling. This shift is expected to reduce the facility's water draw from Carvins Cove, which has been impacted by ongoing drought conditions. The existing agreement with the Western Virginia Water Authority, allowing initial usage of up to 2 million gallons per day, remains unchanged.
However, the decision has drawn scrutiny from environmental experts and local residents. Eric Sjostedt, a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Virginia Tech, explained that while air cooling uses less water, it demands significantly more electricity. He noted that the environmental comparison is complex, as increased electricity consumption often leads to higher emissions from fuel sources, and the overall environmental cost depends on the data center's location and specific features. Sjostedt also highlighted concerns about diesel backup generators and the need to consider local utility infrastructure capacity.
Kathryn Hatam, representing the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance, expressed that the announcement does not alleviate community concerns. She stated that while water was previously the primary focus, the switch to air cooling introduces new issues such as increased noise from 24/7 fan operation, low-frequency sounds potentially affecting humans and animals, and the creation of heat islands impacting local wildlife and plant life. Hatam also raised concerns that increased energy demand could lead to more infrastructure like substations.
Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe described the update as positive, providing greater certainty for the project's first phase and reinforcing the investment. Google attributes the decision to business demand and infrastructure requirements, reiterating its commitment to minimizing water usage, improving sustainability, and working with utility providers to manage energy costs. The company stated that the project will undergo review and permitting processes to assess and mitigate potential impacts.