Data centers require substantial water, energy. Sustainable practices, technology can lessen impact
Residents in North Texas are concerned about the substantial water and energy consumption, as well as noise and air pollution, from growing data center developments in the Fort Worth area. Data center companies like QTS and CyrusOne are detailing their sustainable practices, such as closed-loop cooling systems and investments in renewable energy, to address these impacts. A panel discussion is planned to explore the future of data centers in Fort Worth.
As data center developments proliferate across North Texas, residents in Fort Worth are increasingly vocal about concerns regarding the facilities' substantial demands on water and energy resources, alongside potential noise and air pollution.
Industry representatives acknowledge the significant resource consumption but emphasize efforts towards sustainability. Michael Webber, a mechanical engineering chair at the University of Texas at Austin, explains that water usage largely depends on cooling methods, with air cooling requiring less water than intensive water cooling. Companies like QTS, which operates a data center in Fort Worth, claim to use closed-loop cooling systems that minimize water consumption, stating their monthly water use is less than five households combined. CyrusOne, another developer with plans in Fort Worth, employs air cooling and has committed to returning 20% of drawn water to local supplies.
However, reducing water use often correlates with increased electricity consumption. Mohammad Islam, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, notes that the rapid growth of data centers is outpacing ERCOT's infrastructure development, leading to stalled projects across Texas. While some data centers propose building their own power plants to bypass the grid, concerns arise about increased air pollution from diesel or natural gas generators. Companies like QTS and CyrusOne are investing in renewable and carbon-free energy sources to mitigate their carbon footprint and contribute to grid stability.
Noise is also a concern, with Black Mountain facing resident opposition regarding its planned Fort Worth data center. Richard Neitzel, an environmental health sciences professor at the University of Michigan, states that data centers can produce enough noise to disrupt sleep, though developers typically conduct sound studies and design buffers to minimize community impact. Experts underscore the need for responsible development and regulatory oversight to balance economic growth with environmental and community well-being.