Experts warn that growing AI use adds to rising energy demand and water strain from data centers
Experts warn that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is increasing data center electricity consumption and water use. The article cites data center water consumption in two Virginia counties near Washington and urges companies to improve transparency and reduce resource use.
Experts say the expanding use of artificial intelligence is intensifying the environmental footprint of data centers through rising electricity demand and substantial cooling-water needs. A United Nations University report estimated that global data centers consumed 448 trillion watt-hours of electricity last year and could more than double that usage within four years.
Water scientist Kaveh Madani and cognitive computer scientist Sasha Luccioni urged consumers to limit unnecessary AI queries, while other experts criticized private AI companies for failing to disclose detailed energy and water consumption data. Ana Pinheiro Privette, formerly of Amazon Web Services, said companies respond when consumers demand greater sustainability.
The article notes that data centers in two Virginia counties near Washington used 2.1 billion gallons of water in 2023. Balaji Tammabattula, chief operating officer of BaRupOn, said developers face growing community backlash and must work with residents to reduce water and energy use.